INSTIGATES Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

instigates

verb

present tense third-person singular of instigate

as in provokes

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigates

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

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

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instigated

instigates

instigating

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“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instigates

verb

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