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.

In some quarters this has instigated an unrealistic disappointment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

In its first report since the ban was instigated in December, the regulator said it had identified "a number of poor practices" from the five platforms.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He has instigated protesters to continue to speak out and occupy government buildings.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Verse said Thursday that former Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht instigated the demonstration.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2026

I’d supported, even instigated, the college talk, but I’d underestimated just how problematic getting him into college would be.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz