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

Example 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 If convicted of abetting a public servant, Ong could be jailed for up to two years, fined, or both. —

Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024 The charges stem from Hunter’s reckless lifestyle, abetted and financed by his willingness to trade shamelessly on the family name. —

Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

Diplomatic Risks: The designation could provoke international disputes, particularly with Mexico, complicating its legal and practical implementation.

— Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The emotional bedrock underneath is the thing that’s provoking feeling in me.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 18 Jan. 2025