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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.

“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

Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte last summer instigated this legal showdown by posting a criminal referral for Ms. Cook on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

It disputes that Weinstein attempted to make Woodall redundant, saying she was very supportive towards her and instigated the investigation into the culture of the agency team.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

The inquiry report said there was "general agreement" that Creative Scotland had provided "significant support" to the culture sector since it was instigated by the government in 2010.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

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