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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.

Robertson said there was no dispute Patel's actions had seriously departed from professional standards but submitted the relationship was instigated by Patient A and "largely driven by her through the ongoing threats and blackmail".

From BBC • May 21, 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

The review was instigated after fresh details emerged about the peer's contact with Jeffrey Epstein and a separate police investigation was initiated in the UK, they said.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

“The HCC has instigated a battle with the Kalogeras Sisters fan base, who retaliated in kind and defended themselves against the hate-filled comments and threats directed against them,” according to documents obtained by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 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