instigated

VERB

influence, provoke

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abet bring about foment incite inflame initiate kindle plot prompt spur whip up

STRONG

actuate encourage goad hint impel insinuate move needle persuade plan raise rouse scheme start stimulate suggest urge

WEAK

add fuel egg on fire up make waves put up to rabble-rouse set on steam up stir up turn on work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deter discourage dissuade halt neglect put out stop

STRONG

calm conclude depress finish ignore repress suppress

WEAK

prevent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

instigated

The incident, which Beijing said was instigated by Philippine personnel, sparked a round of condemnation from Manila's allies.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Beijing said the Philippines instigated the incident by sending men in small rubber boats to approach their vessel.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

She instigated the new restrictions, and rejects accusations of them being nanny state.

From BBC ● May 3, 2026

At 4 Nations last February, the Americans traveled to Montreal, instigated three fights in the first nine seconds in front of a hostile crowd—and emerged victorious.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 21, 2026

Sachs finally gained entrance to the Oval Office on October 11, a few weeks after the Nazi invasion of Poland had instigated the European war.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik