What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incitation
Example
The politician's speech was an incitation to violence. [incitation: noun]
Example
Her provocative clothing was an incitation to unwanted attention. [incitation: noun]
instigation
Example
The company's CEO was accused of instigating a hostile takeover. [instigating: verb]
Example
He was arrested for instigation of a riot. [instigation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instigation is more commonly used than incitation in everyday language. Instigation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while incitation is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incitation and instigation?
Both incitation and instigation are formal words that are typically used in serious or legal contexts. However, instigation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while incitation is less commonly used and may sound overly formal in some situations.
