incite

verb

in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
Synonyms of incite

transitive verb

1
: to move (someone) to action : urge on
incited the crowd to violence
2
: to cause (a usually violent action or feeling) to occur
arrested for inciting a riot
incitant
in-ˈsī-tᵊnt How to pronounce incite (audio)
noun
incitement
in-ˈsīt-mənt How to pronounce incite (audio)
noun
inciter noun

Synonyms of incite

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incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action.

incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Examples of incite in a Sentence

The news incited widespread fear and paranoia. the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Without tick bites, red meat, or dairy to incite it, the immune response will subside eventually. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Torres has been charged with four counts of felony discharging a firearm to incite fear, one count of misdemeanor domestic violence, and one count of misdemeanor child abuse, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 Halfway through its ten-episode first season, Nick Antosca’s series lacks the basic elements that make Cape Fear, down to the inciting incident. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incite

Word History

Etymology

Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion — more at cite

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incite was in the 15th century

Rhymes for incite

See All Rhymes for incite

Browse Nearby Words

incitation
incite
incitement
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incite

verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to move to action : stir up
inciter noun

Medical Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to bring into being : induce to exist or occur
organisms that readily incited antibody formation

Legal Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to urge on
incite a riot
incitement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Nglish: Translation of incite for Spanish Speakers

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