Synonyms of instigate

instigate

verb

ˈin(t)-stə-ˌgāt 

1

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• promote
• encourage
• raise
• trigger
• incite
• foment
• stimulate
• abet
• stir (up)
• pick
• cultivate
• ferment
• set in motion
• whip (up)
• brew
• inspire
• foster
• further
• motivate
• forward
• nurture
• rouse
• nourish
• detonate
• advance
• sow
• excite
• activate
• set off
• galvanize
• inflame
• energize
• set
• enliven
• invigorate
• quicken
• vitalize
• jazz (up)
• fire
• liven (up)
• pep (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• regulate
• inhibit
• discourage
• hold
• restrain
• check
• constrain
• curb
• tame
• rein (in)
• settle
• subdue
• allay
• calm
• soothe
• bridle
• quiet
• still
• tranquilize

2

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action

the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• provoke
• encourage
• stimulate
• inspire
• stir
• incite
• arouse
• motivate
• move
• excite
• spark
• induce
• motive
• trigger
• rev (up)
• drive
• fire (up)
• pique
• ignite
• impassion
• foment
• activate
• galvanize
• inflame
• energize
• anger
• animate
• bother
• abet
• vitalize
• quicken
• build a fire under
• set off
• enrage
• kindle
• fan
• ferment
• upset
• pump up
• taunt
• raise
• aggravate
• tease
• key (up)
• annoy
• get
• whip (up)
• irritate
• exasperate
• jeer
• vex
• gall
• madden

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• appease
• placate
• pacify
• tranquilize
• mollify

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instigate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of instigate are abet, foment, and incite. While all these words mean "to spur to action," instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

In what contexts can abet take the place of instigate?

In some situations, the words abet and instigate are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When is it sensible to use foment instead of instigate?

Although the words foment and instigate have much in common, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When would incite be a good substitute for instigate?

The meanings of incite and instigate largely overlap; however, incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instigate

Now people on both sides of the border will pay for a senseless trade war instigated by a petulant and vengeful president. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

The potential answers to these plentiful questions are all over the map and tend to instigate acrimonious debates. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

That was a move partly instigated to develop a new crop of fast bowlers, but a home series defeat to Bangladesh two years ago and the loss of the first Test to England in October 2024 prompted the PCB to switch to spin-friendly tracks. — Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Instead, the Citizens’ Council, a white supremacist organization, claimed Williams instigated the riots. — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

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