FOMENTS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

foments

verb

present tense third-person singular of foment

as in provokes

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being John Adams's wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would "foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation"

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of foments But on Monday, there was only that pit-of-your-stomach gnawing concoction of disappointment, frustration and emptiness that foments when a chance for history is squandered. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026 Muschietti touched on this in his movies — the bullying of Mike Hanlon and the hate-crime murder of Adrian Mellon — including the way Pennywise fosters and foments the hatred already lurking in the hearts of Derry’s citizens. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foments

Verb

Another question, says Professor Trotti at Ithaca College, is whether a public execution portrays strength or provokes horror.

— Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026
In deceptively plain diction, the hurdle of one love relationship provokes an exploration of desire and belonging.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of provokes

Verb

Knowing the exceptions are happening should be the first step toward addressing those exceptions in a way that supports caregiving staff and promotes quality service.

— Colin Conner II, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
To support that conclusion, Gates cites a demand in Washburn’s petition to CWP that would prohibit the council from doing any outreach that promotes the role of hunting in wildlife management fully six months before an election.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of promotes

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fomenting

foments

fond

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“Foments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foments. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of foments

verb

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