Provoke, Agitate, and Inflame are strong opposites of “Appease” in common contexts, with other choices fitting more specific shades of meaning.
Which Opposite of “Appease” Fits Best?
Here are 14 opposites for appease, followed by a brief explanation and example for each one.
- Provoke
- Agitate
- Inflame
- Antagonize
- Irritate
- Anger
- Incite
- Rile
- Upset
- Exacerbate
- Escalate
- Enrage
- Disturb
- Unsettle
Provoke
Use Provoke when the contrast centers on cause a reaction or confrontation. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A writer can use “Provoke” as a counterpoint to “Appease” in a context involving cause a reaction or confrontation.
Agitate
Choose Agitate when the contrast centers on stir up strong feeling. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: The choice “Agitate” works best as an opposite when the sentence is really about stir up strong feeling.
Inflame
Consider Inflame when the contrast centers on make emotion or conflict more intense. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: In a rewrite focused on make emotion or conflict more intense, “Inflame” can provide a defensible contrast to “Appease”.
Antagonize
Try Antagonize when the contrast centers on create hostility. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: Where “Appease” expresses create hostility, “Antagonize” can be used to shift the wording toward the opposing sense.
Irritate
Use Irritate when the contrast centers on cause annoyance. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A contrast with “Appease” becomes clearer when “Irritate” is used in a sentence about cause annoyance.
Anger
Choose Anger when the contrast centers on make someone angry. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: In a sentence where “Appease” points to make someone angry, “Anger” can signal the contrasting idea.
Incite
Consider Incite when the contrast centers on encourage strong or disruptive action. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: An editor might choose “Incite” when reversing the sense of “Appease” in a passage about encourage strong or disruptive action.
Rile
Try Rile when the contrast centers on make someone annoyed or angry. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: For a context centred on make someone annoyed or angry, “Rile” can move the meaning in the opposite direction from “Appease”.
Upset
Use Upset when the contrast centers on cause emotional disturbance. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A contrastive sentence may use “Upset” where “Appease” would otherwise express cause emotional disturbance.
Exacerbate
Choose Exacerbate when the contrast centers on make a problem worse. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: When the relevant sense of “Appease” is make a problem worse, “Exacerbate” can provide the opposing wording.
Escalate
Consider Escalate when the contrast centers on increase the intensity of a conflict. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: In editing, “Escalate” is a plausible contrast when “Appease” is being used for increase the intensity of a conflict.
Enrage
Try Enrage when the contrast centers on make extremely angry. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: A writer can set “Enrage” against “Appease” when the sentence turns on make extremely angry.
Disturb
Use Disturb when the contrast centers on interrupt calm or stability. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: Where “Appease” carries the idea of interrupt calm or stability, “Disturb” can mark a useful reversal of meaning.
Unsettle
Choose Unsettle when the contrast centers on remove a sense of calm or certainty. It works as an opposite of appease in that specific context rather than in every possible sense.
Example: The wording “Unsettle” works as a contrast when the surrounding context involves remove a sense of calm or certainty.
Choosing the Right Antonym for “Appease”
The strongest opposite of appease depends on the sentence. Some choices express a direct reversal, while others fit only a particular setting, so check the intended sense before substituting one.