1
as in provokes
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encourages
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the charge that the scene in the movie had instigated teenagers to commit similar acts of vandalism
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of instigates
This impasse instigates the Ten Plagues, which are listed below in English and Hebrew.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—
Jonny Diamond,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
The New Yorker,
10 Oct. 2024
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
This Ministry frequently interferes in employers’ decisions, instigates acts of discrimination by authorities and organizations, brings weight to bear on the organs of justice and even orchestrates propaganda campaigns in the media.
—
Jonny Diamond,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
What ignites or instigates that response, outside of being done with the machine?
—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
Sagittariuses usually prefer to have the last word — which is exactly how Becky instigates matters with Robin.
—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
Von then explains that drinking instigates the desire to do coke.
—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
The New Yorker,
10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates
Verb
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This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.
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His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
Verb
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Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
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Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data.
Verb
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Fiber helps support digestive health, promotes fullness, and may contribute to healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
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The Roots 101 African American Museum promotes an understanding and appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and art, as does the Muhammad Ali Center.
Verb
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But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
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This hormone improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion.
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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