INCITE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of incite are abet , foment , and instigate . While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. // inciting a riot

Q: When could 'abet' be used to replace 'incite'?

In some situations, the words abet and incite are roughly equivalent. However, abet implies both assisting and encouraging. // aiding and abetting the enemy

Q: When would 'foment' be a good substitute for 'incite'?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading. // fomenting rebellion

Q: Where would 'instigate' be a reasonable alternative to 'incite'?

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

incite

verb

in-ˈsīt

Definition of incite next

as in to provoke

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb incite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incite are abet, foment, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

When could abet be used to replace incite?

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

aiding and abetting the enemy

When would foment be a good substitute for incite?

The meanings of foment and incite largely overlap; however, foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Where would instigate be a reasonable alternative to incite?

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

instigated a conspiracy

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of incite The second time, in 1937, the Court ruled, 5-4, that Herndon's conviction for attempting to incite insurrection violated his rights to free speech and peaceable assembly. —

John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 Despite 34 felony convictions, two impeachments and his role in inciting the January 6th insurrection to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump begins his second presidency overseeing a deeply divided nation. —

Kizzy Cox, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025 For example, less than a month after George Floyd was murdered in Minnesota in 2020, inciting nationwide Black Lives Matter rallies, Gascón shared a thread recapping her views. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025 In response, Meta's legal team said Trump was suspended for violating policies against inciting violence, not because of any statement made by a member of Congress. —

Bobby Allyn, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for incite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incite

Verb

But the bigger picture here is that media, entertainment and tech companies are facing a pivotal moment in the second Trump era, and many are choosing to try to placate the new administration rather than provoke more ire.

— Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
The new policies have created fears in the immigrant communities across the U.S., and provoked criticism from regional leaders who have long criticized the U.S. for sending back migrants, especially those accused of committing crimes in the U.S.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2025