incite

verb

in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
Synonyms of incitenext

transitive verb

: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on
incitant
in-ˈsī-tᵊnt How to pronounce incite (audio)
noun
incitement
in-ˈsīt-mənt How to pronounce incite (audio)
noun
inciter noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for incite

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action.

incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating.

inciting a riot

instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

instigated a conspiracy

abet implies both assisting and encouraging.

aiding and abetting the enemy

foment implies persistence in goading.

fomenting rebellion

Examples of incite in a Sentence

The news incited widespread fear and paranoia. the rock band's failure to show up incited a riot, as the crowd had waited for hours
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yinon Levi, the alleged shooter according to Israeli officials, faced financial sanctions imposed last year under then-President Joe Biden after being cited for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinian civilians and burning farmland. — Emily Chang, ABC News, 31 July 2025 For now, pediatricians are trying to maintain a sense of urgency without inciting panic. — Jackie Fortiér, CNN Money, 28 July 2025 The film was divisive from the jump, with some critics saying Aster’s film is incendiary on purpose – meant to rile conspiracy theorists, incite liberal outrage and foreshadow the inevitability of a second Trump term. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 July 2025 Advertisement Already, the memo has incited furious reactions on the right. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for incite

Word History

Etymology

Middle French inciter, from Latin incitare, from in- + citare to put in motion — more at cite

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incite was in the 15th century

Rhymes for incite

See All Rhymes for incite

Browse Nearby Words

incitation
incite
incitingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incite. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

incite

verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to move to action : stir up
inciter noun

Medical Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to bring into being : induce to exist or occur
organisms that readily incited antibody formation

Legal Definition

incite

transitive verb
in·​cite in-ˈsīt How to pronounce incite (audio)
incited; inciting
: to urge on
incite a riot
incitement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on incite

Nglish: Translation of incite for Spanish Speakers

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