instigate
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for instigate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To start or bring about a course of action by encouraging or pushing others toward it, especially something disruptive.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use instigate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
instigate a riot
instigate proceedings
instigate change
Etymology
From Latin instigatus, the past participle of instigare, "to goad on, urge, incite."
Full origin of instigate →Frequently asked questions
What does “instigate” mean?
The word “instigate” means to start or bring about a course of action by encouraging or pushing others toward it, especially something disruptive. In plain terms, to set something in motion by stirring people up, usually trouble.
How do you pronounce “instigate”?
“Instigate” is pronounced IHNS-tuh-gayt (/ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “instigate” in a sentence?
Here is “instigate” used in a sentence: “Investigators believe he instigated the walkout among staff.”
What part of speech is “instigate”?
“Instigate” is a verb.
Where does the word “instigate” come from?
The word “instigate” comes from Latin. From Latin instigatus, the past participle of instigare, "to goad on, urge, incite.".
