1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to aid
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abet
The symbiosis of the Trump-Newsom vaudeville act is truly remarkable, each abetting the other’s desire to enhance his image as a warrior for moral righteousness.
—
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
George Floyd had been murdered by Police Officer Derek Chauvin, abetted by several other officers in Minneapolis, Target’s home city, only about three months earlier.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
In each of these instances, the speeches were either approved by UCLA administrators or abetted by those who refused to step in when speakers went off-script.
—Isabella Brannon, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
This one comes from Trump’s approach, abetted by Republicans in Congress, to the student loan crisis.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 June 2025
George Floyd had been murdered by Police Officer Derek Chauvin, abetted by several other officers in Minneapolis, Target’s home city, only about three months earlier.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
In each of these instances, the speeches were either approved by UCLA administrators or abetted by those who refused to step in when speakers went off-script.
—Isabella Brannon, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
This one comes from Trump’s approach, abetted by Republicans in Congress, to the student loan crisis.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
-
Run adversarial simulations, employ red teams, and commission third-party evaluations that deliberately try to provoke harmful behaviors.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
Don't run away or climb a tree, which may provoke a chase.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
Verb
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To aid in future operation and prevent your window from getting stuck again, apply a spray lubricant, such as silicone spray, to the tracks.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
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Sami Al-Arian, a former University of South Florida professor who is associated with the Gaza Tribunal, admitted to conspiring to aid the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in 2006.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Investigators found no evidence of a client list or blackmail scheme involving prominent individuals, contradicting years of speculation and conspiracy theories that both Patel and Bongino had previously promoted.—
Adeola Adeosun
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Benson Boone has spent 2025 promoting his new album American Heart, which debuted on the Billboard charts just a few weeks ago.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Among those assisting are search teams and emergency crews from Mexico, who have joined overwhelmed local responders in searching for the missing and helping clean up devastated communities.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
8 July 2025
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Some 75% of all global deliveries are now assisted in some way by robots, the company said.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
Verb
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The editorial also criticized health benefit eligibility after eight years of service — a policy many cities use to encourage continuity and long-term commitment.—
Josh Levy,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Their main message is to encourage couples to actively consider the decision instead of following the norm.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Reducing your carb intake can help lessen blood sugar spikes.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
14 July 2025
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Goodall’s research on chimpanzees helped revolutionize how the world viewed primates and humanity.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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