1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
Russia, without provocation, invaded Ukraine and declared its intent of completely destroying it.
—
Askold Haywas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
But his attempt to corral colleagues against the Trump trade agenda was seen as a provocation to the President’s close allies.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Garza sees the project as a kind of musical provocation.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
Byström takes the hyper-girl aesthetic that’s so often criticized and turns it into a tool of political provocation—especially in the context of issues such as sexuality and body politics.
—The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Askold Haywas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
But his attempt to corral colleagues against the Trump trade agenda was seen as a provocation to the President’s close allies.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Garza sees the project as a kind of musical provocation.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025
Byström takes the hyper-girl aesthetic that’s so often criticized and turns it into a tool of political provocation—especially in the context of issues such as sexuality and body politics.
—The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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For that much money, there’s no telling what kind of marketing push could be funded to drive GTA fans crazy with excitement and anticipation.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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After the cast reveal was made on a live stream, the Traitors US host took to social media to express his excitement about returning and share a video of himself practicing his Nightcrawler moves.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As such, there is little incentive for non-citizens to try to vote, Levitt said.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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Trump says tariffs will force other countries to lower their own rates on U.S. goods and services, creating a more balanced economic playing field for U.S. exports and a strong incentive for companies to manufacture goods such as cars inside the U.S. to avoid paying the tax.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.—
Alison Bringé,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Nichols, who's a mom herself, interjected with words of encouragement that both challenged and inspired parents and guardians in the room.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Incorporate a mix of both monetary and non-monetary recognition that aligns with your team’s values and motivations.—
Luciana Paulise,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Millennials were the most optimistic about business travel overall, describing it as valuable for career development, motivation and team collaboration.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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