incites

verb

present tense third-person singular of incite
1
as in provokes
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
2
as in encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action the demagogue's fiery rant incited the crowd to riot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incites Every day, there’s seemingly some new report or rumor that incites the social media machine. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026 Uranus moving into Gemini incites restlessness with conventional routine. — Usa Today, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 Critics say the former demands the elimination of the Israeli state – from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea – and incites violence against Jewish people. — Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026 The phrase either inspires excitement or incites fear among adults who are lucky enough to still have their parents and siblings around and still want to hang out with them. — Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026 January 20 – February 18 When tension incites change, your presence can be a guiding light. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026 Renaud hopes that the 37-minute HBO doc incites change. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incites
  1. provokes
  2. encourages
  3. promotes
  4. stimulates
  5. inspires
Verb
  • Along with their organization’s missions, the pair picked horror because of the conversations the genre provokes.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Another question, says Professor Trotti at Ithaca College, is whether a public execution portrays strength or provokes horror.
    — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of provokes
Verb
  • Meta encourages its users to name their AIs—and encourages its AIs to think like humans.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Scott-Chandler says assistance will be available for those who qualify and encourages families not to hesitate to seek help.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • Massaging it into the scalp promotes growth (stimulating blood flow to the area is how the magic happens), while applying it through the lengths reduces breakage and smoothes each strand for a silky, frizz-free finish.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dietary fiber helps add bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • As the cooling metal tool depuffs swollen tissues and stimulates microcirculation, the peptide-rich cream works beneath the surface to rebuild structural volume.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stronger muscles put more tension on the bones, which stimulates greater bone cell turnover.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • The memories of their cozy kitchen inspires me to spend even more time in my own kitchen.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Like the Lego brand, Daft Punk inspires generations through creativity, innovation, and a deep connection with fans.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspires

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Cite this Entry

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

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