ABET Synonyms: 138 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abet' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment , incite , and instigate . While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When might 'foment' be a better fit than 'abet'?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: When can 'incite' be used instead of 'abet'?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

Q: In what contexts can 'instigate' take the place of 'abet'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet , instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. // instigated a conspiracy

abet

verb

ə-ˈbet

Definition of abet next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to aid

to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of abet Suffice it to say that Terry intrepidly engages in physical confrontations with a force that far outnumbers and outguns him; that officials go to extreme lengths to get Terry far away and keep him quiet; and that those who abet Terry in his quest are subject to alarming reprisals. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024 But states and localities could pay a high price for abetting unconstitutional raids. —

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Texas tried to establish a kind of reservation on the upper Brazos River, where the Tonkawa were first sent, but American settlers, abetted by reactionary newspapers, pressed for their removal. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Nov. 2024 Then the Dodgers engaged in traditional victory celebration on New York’s field, with an abundance of man hugs abetted by family, champagne, and cigars. —

Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

Late last month, just inside the visitors’ locker room at Lumen Field, two brash, muscular, headstrong men wrapped up each other in the wake of the Vikings’ 27-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, provoking knowing smiles from witnesses conscious of their budding bromance.

Michael Silver, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Bitcoin prices have declined this week, dropping below $93,000 earlier today after robust economic data provoked concerns that Federal Reserve officials will have to cut rates more slowly.

Charles Lloyd Bovaird II, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025