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Definition of abetnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abet contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abet are foment, incite, and instigate. While all these words mean "to spur to action," abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

When might foment be a better fit than abet?

The synonyms foment and abet are sometimes interchangeable, but foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

When can incite be used instead of abet?

The words incite and abet can be used in similar contexts, but incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

In what contexts can instigate take the place of abet?

While in some cases nearly identical to abet, instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

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 abet Stage one is often abetted by venture capital, as in the case of Uber, which in its early days kept its ride prices artificially low. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 This included prominent businessmen, landowners, poets, novelists, and local officials who were detested for abetting Japanese rule. Kornel Chang september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025 Special prosecutors investigating the country’s martial law crisis also indicted on Friday former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who was appointed by Yoon on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury, a prosecution spokesperson said. CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025 The book details the investigation into a string of unsolved killings in and around the special operations base, revealing a network of narco-trafficking conspiracies that corrupt police abetted and the military covered up. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abet
Verb
  • Analysts and insiders told CBS News the scale of the response to Pahalvi's call could determine whether the deadly, 12-day-old protests fizzle out as previous rounds of unrest have, or grow into a major challenge to the government, and provoke a possible wider crackdown.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Intrusive thoughts provoke an anxious spiral as the moon and Saturn oppose.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Sullivan also assisted on the Americans’ opening goal, a 30th-minute finish tucked away by Charlotte FC homegrown Nimfasha Berchimas.
    Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office assisted the agency.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The series is part of the theater's efforts to promote accessible, affordable arts programs for the Aurora community.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The album’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across six vinyl variants (including one signed), four CD variants (one signed) and a standard digital download album (all with the same tracklist).
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Spirits Spirits are disembodied beings who are occasionally called upon to aid specific humans (usually witches), but can sometimes become harmful.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The teeth also captured climate shifts such as the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the Medieval Climate Anomaly, which might have encouraged some increase in migration into England.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, collision coverage helps when your own car is damaged in a crash, whereas medical coverage helps cover treatment costs following an accident.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Additional mortgage purchases by Fannie Mae and Freddie could temporarily help lower mortgage costs, but that approach also could have unintended consequences, according to TD Securities analysts.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abet. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on abet

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