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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
But Russia’s last ASAT demo mission, and its provocations on staging missile attacks on Allied satellites, mean the risks are still expanding, Ceperley says.
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Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
The 55-year-old has a taste for provocation and is known for deliberately overstepping accepted boundaries.
—Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024
The relationship becomes like a balloon filled with excess air—ready to burst at any moment with the slightest provocation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The North is likely to stage more provocations, even a nuclear test explosion and a long-range missile test.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation 
Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
The 55-year-old has a taste for provocation and is known for deliberately overstepping accepted boundaries.
—Stephanie Liechtenstein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024
The relationship becomes like a balloon filled with excess air—ready to burst at any moment with the slightest provocation.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
The North is likely to stage more provocations, even a nuclear test explosion and a long-range missile test.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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Bath & Body Works holiday gifts give your recipient permission to draw a hot bath with soothing body products, read a book by candlelight, and tend to personal grooming before the excitement begins.Christina Shepherd McGuire, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
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The women were seen jumping, hugging and screaming in excitement.Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Bio Essence plans to increase income through sales force strengthening, sales incentives, and marketing activities, and is exploring additional financing options.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
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In many instances, local and state tax incentives are supporting these projects.James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Major Asian indexes saw strong gains, fueled by optimism that China would roll out stimulus measures to support its slowing economy.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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However, the government recently announced a stimulus plan, which includes lowering interest rates and fiscal support and this could help consumer spending.Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The impetus to write this article was a question posed in the Gmail subreddit by a Gmail user whose main account had been compromised, despite having 2FA in place, and wanted to know if setting up a second account could be done without it being compromised by the same threat actor.Davey Winder, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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For two of Usher’s dancers, the upbeat fare served as an impetus to take their bond to the next level.Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Ultimately, with Tepper’s encouragement, the stadium’s concession, merchandise and parking vendors all donated their proceeds as well.Melinda Newman, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2024
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Positive characteristics of families and businesses can overlap, such as ongoing communication and encouragement, but a company is a distinct entity.Kate Wieczorek, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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And the motivations and interests of the countries contributing to Russia’s military capacity vary widely.Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
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What is the team’s professionalism and motivation like?Nick Bereza, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near provocation
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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