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
Yet, seen from a certain angle, Barnier’s appointment was a provocation.
—
Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
He is accused of using the knives to then stab his victims at random and without provocation, before fleeing the scene, police said.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Recommended Joy Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors
Mr. Han, the acting leader, ordered the military to bolster its security posture to prevent North Korea from launching provocations by miscalculation.
—Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Dec. 2024
This is a premeditated provocation, and I’m supposed to think Angie is the mean one?
—Sarah Hagi, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation 
Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
He is accused of using the knives to then stab his victims at random and without provocation, before fleeing the scene, police said.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Recommended Joy Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors
Mr. Han, the acting leader, ordered the military to bolster its security posture to prevent North Korea from launching provocations by miscalculation.
—Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Dec. 2024
This is a premeditated provocation, and I’m supposed to think Angie is the mean one?
—Sarah Hagi, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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However, this week’s surge showcases the underlying excitement from investors as Trump readies for his second term.Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
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In the oil industry, there is excitement about Trump’s drill-baby-drill ethos.Matt Egan, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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While much of the Republican tax agenda involves continuing measures the party passed in 2017, Mr. Trump and other Republicans have floated additional ideas, including no taxes on tips and new incentives for corporations to manufacture in the United States.Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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Bad Bunny critiques the pro-statehood party for prioritizing foreign investments and tax incentives at the expense of local communities.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Since September, the Chinese government has unveiled stimulus measures such as monetary policy easing policies and plans to counteract the property market’s decline.Sofia Celeste, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
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Lastly, coupled with all else that is afoot in the wider market are some traders' hopes of an uptick in near-term crude demand from China as the market keenly awaits what further economic stimulus measures are taken by Beijing in the first quarter of the year.Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This structural inequity points to a shortfall in the current retirement landscape and should be an impetus for companies to consider redesigning their retirement benefit plans.Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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But according to a team source, the impetus for Burnes’ six-year, $210 million deal stemmed more from increases in revenues from attendance and sponsorship and the standard competitive-balance tax proceeds.Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
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By Emily Tannenbaum More people than not had words of encouragement or solidarity, and even those who didn’t have time to stop and speak with me told me to stay safe or keep well and wished me luck.Kate Lavelle, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025
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Coupled with a friend’s encouragement, Carrie established CompassionCare Concierge to share her talents with her community.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Police say Clarke has refused to speak or provide any motivation.Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
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This storytelling reveals the leader’s motivations and principles, helping team members feel more connected to their vision and approach.Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near provocation
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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