1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
without instigation of any kind, the man suddenly threw a punch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity
the promise of windfall profits was all the instigation they needed to invest in the scheme
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instigation
Three other people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, the UK's Counter Terrorism Policing office said.
—
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Three additional suspects -- two men and a woman -- were also taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, police said on Thursday.
—Morgan Winsor, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2025
Two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s have also been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism in connection with the attack, police said.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
Somehow, through its instigation of global disaster, AI can generally be framed as a moral phenomenon.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
At the instigation of president Charles de Gaulle, new towns began to emerge in France at the end of the 1960s as a counter to haphazard urban growth.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigation
Noun
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While the series concluded with its second season in May, Luna opened up to PEOPLE ahead of the 2022 premiere about the excitement of being a part of the Star Wars universe.—
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Pickleball enthusiasts expressed excitement that indoor courts would be opening but opponents worried other community events that were once held at the site would be forced out like arts and crafts show, roller derby, the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations.—
Noun
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Similar moves in other antitrust actions, including the recent settlements in American college sports, have proven pivotal, with an initial settlement with one party providing the impetus for other parties to settle as well.—
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Their impetus was to subvert the expectations of stories involving characters from their community.—
Noun
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Her brother shaved his head alongside her, while friends organized care packages, drove her to sessions and offered constant encouragement.—
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The chatbot repeatedly offered Nelson doting messages and constant encouragement, Turner-Scott claimed.—
Noun
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The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.—
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The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.—
Noun
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If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money.—
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There’s the stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the prospect of lower interest rates from a more dovish incoming Federal Reserve chair, and the benefits from artificial intelligence accruing to the real economy — major pillars maintaining a bullish outlook .—
Noun
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Duffy denied any political motivation.—
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His content, often featuring humorous music about food was intended as motivation for Lomax’s own health journey.—
Noun
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That’s important because neurons remember past stimulation, and pain sensitivity depends on history.—
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Good morning, everyone, the middle of the week has arrived and this calls for a celebratory cup or two of stimulation.—
Cite this Entry
“Instigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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