How to Pronounce Instigate

To pronounce "instigate", say INST-ig-at-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

instigate

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “instigate”

"instigate" has 4 syllables: inst-ig-at-e. It rhymes with elucidate and articulate, if that helps it stick.

What does instigate mean?

verb

To incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging
“to instigate a riot”
To goad or urge (a person) forward, especially to wicked actions; to provoke
“to instigate someone to a crime”

Synonyms

animate encourage impel incite provoke spur stimulate tempt

Antonyms

halt prevent stop

Hear “instigate” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with instigate

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elucidate articulate desolate facilitate profligate explicate deliberate delineate ruminate innate cultivate state

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "instigate"?▾

"Instigate" has 4 syllables: inst · ig · at · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "instigate"?▾

The IPA transcription of "instigate" is /ˈɪnstəɡeɪt/.

What does "instigate" mean?▾

Instigate: To incite; to bring about by urging or encouraging

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