foment
verb (used with object)
to instigate or foster (discord, rebellion, etc.); promote the growth or development of.
have fomented
-
present perfectof foment.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The horrific images that have emerged from the area during these hellish recent months have fomented a sea change in the dialogue around it.
From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2025
Beyond the blight on the county treasury and the emotional toll paid by Fischer’s victims, the sheer number of claims and the response to them as they piled up have fomented distrust.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2023
The institute’s president, Derek Mitchell, who previously served as ambassador to Myanmar, called the accusations that Americans have fomented or funded the protests “utterly ridiculous.”
From New York Times ● Sep. 5, 2019
Washington’s debates over forcing tech companies to open back doors into encrypted communications systems, along with the leaks about NSA surveillance by Edward Snowden, have fomented enormous distrust.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 31, 2016
After this it was thought wise to permit the papers to print the story of Cornish’s retirement; otherwise the Captain might have fomented an insurrection.
From Aladdin & Co. A Romance of Yankee Magic by Herbert Quick
