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

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to assist

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 With the goal of smuggling themselves to Turkey, the women are eventually found out for keeping a secret or two from the conspirators abetting their plan. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 Some of the mayhem devolves into silliness, including a foot chase through Red Square (doubled by Budapest’s Heroes’ Square abetted with digital effects) and a vehicular chase in which Nick and Troy drive a nuclear missile launcher. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Under Nevada law, a person who aids or abets a murder can be held criminally responsible for the killing. — Chloe Melas, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026 Steering response is quick, precise and abetted by standard rear-axle steering and adaptive damping that cushions bumps and keeps the car level and stable in quick maneuvers. — Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abet

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet

Verb

North Korea denied responsibility for the explosions and warned of strong retaliation if provoked.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
In 2012 American entrepreneur Russ George spread roughly 100 tons of iron in the North Pacific, provoking international criticism that a commercial venture had begun geoengineering without adequate oversight.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of provoke

Verb

Gritsyuk and Hischier each scored their fifth goal of the season, with Jesper Bratt assisting on both scores.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
However, guests with mobility needs should note that the entrance requires navigating a set of external steps, though hotel staff are readily available to assist.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of assist

Verb

Chater doesn’t disagree, particularly as promoting the album has prompted more conversations about the subject.

— Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
Abe Flores, deputy director of Create CA, a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes arts education for California students, said the challenges SCUSD cited were not unique to the district.

— Chaewon Chung Updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

Some people are eating cottage cheese for its calcium content, saying the food will aid strong bones and teeth.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
Your social networks, not just your professional ones, can also aid in your job search, Bonnie Dilber, a recruiting leader at the software company Zapier, previously told CNBC Make It.

— Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of aid

Verb

Representatives from Qatar, which has helped mediate negotiations between Washington and Tehran, also traveled to the Iranian capital on Sunday, Reuters reported.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Cocoa prices have dropped in the last year, but relief is coming too late to help prices for this Halloween, said David Branch, sector manager at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute.

— Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of help

Cite this Entry

Style

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of abet

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes