1
as in provokes
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism
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Recent Examples of instigates
This impasse instigates the Ten Plagues, which are listed below in English and Hebrew.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—Jonny Diamond, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
Verb
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But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The council also encourages Gary leadership to participate in any IURC proceedings and asks for the Indiana General Assembly to biannually review utility delivery charge actions and pursue reforms.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
School gardening also promotes an increase in vegetable consumption.—
Shelley Mitchell,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2026
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Heat Dairy and non-dairy yogurts are made through a fermentation process that promotes the growth of certain beneficial bacterial strains.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Moisture Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, and the combination of heat and moisture is what stimulates seeds to sprout.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Fortunately, certain types of mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during or after harvesting, which stimulates vitamin D production in the mushrooms.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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