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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigates
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
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
-
Through her restraint, Roberts provokes in us some semblance of empathy for her character – in a movie where everyone else is basically monstrous.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Every action provokes a reaction.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For holidays that are primarily observed in the United States, Tillery encourages travelers to look beyond domestic trips.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In general, the State Department encourages all Americans who travel abroad to sign up for its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before any international trip.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Progesterone promotes cell death among defective cells that could turn cancerous.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
27 Oct. 2025
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Healthy soil also promotes better nutrient absorption, allowing your lawn to better withstand disease and weeds.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Regulates Appetite Magnesium stimulates the small intestine to release a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK).—
Devineé Lingo,
Health,
22 Oct. 2025
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This stimulates your ability to talk to others and share your feelings.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instigates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigates. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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