Search Dictionary
Definition of instigative

instigative

/ɪnˈstɪɡətɪv/
in · sti · ga · tive
JUMP TO:

instigative Lexical Profile

instigative Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving to incite, provoke, or initiate an action, event, or process.

Example

"The historian examined the instigative factors that ultimately led to the labor strike."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for instigative
Antonyms
View all antonyms for instigative

• Rhymes for instigative

• Nearby Words

instep
instigate
instigation
instigative
instigator
instill
instillation

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'instigare' ('to urge on, goad, or incite'), formed from 'in-' ('upon') and a root akin to Greek 'stizein' ('to prick'), plus the adjectival suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Instigative. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/instigative
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.