as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
an artist who deliberately creates instigating works of art that are sure to arouse controversy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in provoking
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
the medical breakthrough instigated a whole new field of therapy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
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 instigating
David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
Stolberg fought back and Arnsten earned penalties for instigating, fighting and misconduct.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
In the video, according to the news release, Reiher can be heard provoking the students and instigating them to engage in a fight.
—Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
He has already been sentenced for 14 years and faces several lifetimes in prison in more than 150 cases charging him with offenses ranging from stealing state gifts to instigating a violent attack on military headquarters.
—Mohammed Hanif, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
In the aftermath, human rights advocates have questioned the tactics used and criticized law enforcement for tearing apart families and instigating fear in the community.
—Idaho Statesman, 14 Nov. 2025
The Packers owned a 22-19 lead in the fourth quarter when Steelers linebacker Nick Niemann was flagged for instigating an altercation.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
McCabe just got the five minutes for fighting, while Tuch got an extra two minutes for instigating the fight and a 10-minute misconduct.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Fogel is accused of instigating another chase involving Boerne police on May 30, and speeding by an officer at the scene of a crash, according to the release.
—Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
The players aren’t the only ones instigating these moves.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for instigating
Adjective
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That’s the question posed by a provocative ad running ahead of screenings at this year’s Thessaloniki Film Festival, highlighting the dire state of film funding in Greece.—
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This mother makes what the star did in the equally provocative Mother seem like child’s play.—
Verb
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When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.—
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Rather, many Iranians instead blamed the leadership for either provoking the conflict or failing to meaningfully defend the country from Israeli – or American – bombs.—
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
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Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Verb
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
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Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.—
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Verb
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The Telegraph, which has published anti-BBC commentary for years, reported on the existence of the memo on November 3, triggering days of controversy in the United Kingdom.—
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The move comes after a single campus, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, received five straight F ratings, triggering a state law that requires the commissioner to intervene.—
Verb
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As chants echoed across the parking lot, cars driving past honked repeatedly, some drivers raising fists or waving through open windows.—
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Beijing last year implemented some export controls on rare earths during trade spats, raising concerns about America’s lack of secure supply chains for these critical materials.—
Cite this Entry
“Instigating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instigating. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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