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

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office alleged Peters instigated a fight between his girlfriend, Violet Lentz, 24, and a 19-year-old influencer in February at a short-term rental in Kissimmee, Fla. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Peters was also arrested earlier this year on misdemeanor battery charges after reportedly instigating a fight between two women and exploiting them by posting the footage online. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 15 Apr. 2026

No angry, in-your-face, Twitter-like battles were instigated. —Aaron Everitt, STAT, 10 Apr. 2026

Reps for Prince Harry, who is no stranger to instigating court moves himself or showing up in the High Court, were equally blunt in their response to the blunt accusations. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026

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