Synonyms for instigate
Definitions
- v. 1
To goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions.
to instigate someone to a crime
- v. 2
To bring about by urging or encouraging.
Related words
- Word family
- instigative instigation instigator
Forms
- Past participle
- instigated
e.g. instigated → incited, provoked, induced, goaded…
Choose the right word
Abet and instigate are now used almost without exception in a bad sense; one may incite either to good or evil. Abet and instigate apply either to persons or actions, incite to persons only; one incites a person to an action.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- induce Moderate exercise in the evening helps induce sleep.
- incite The speaker tried to incite the people to rebellion.
- goad The shepherd carried a sharp goad for herding sheep.
- abet It's illegal to aid and abet another person in committing a felony.
By length
- 4 letters
- move1, urge1, stir1, spur1, goad1, abet2
- 5 letters
- evoke2, tempt1, rouse1, impel2
- 6 letters
- prompt1, induce2, excite2, incite2, arouse2, foment2
- 7 letters
- inspire2, provoke2, animate3, agitate3, inflame2, actuate3
- 8 letters
- motivate3
- 9 letters
- encourage3, stimulate3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (abet2 = 2 syllables).