Synonym Chooser

How is the word provoke different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of provoke are exasperate, irritate, nettle, peeve, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

In what contexts can exasperate take the place of provoke?

The synonyms exasperate and provoke are sometimes interchangeable, but exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When could irritate be used to replace provoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to provoke, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When is it sensible to use nettle instead of provoke?

The meanings of nettle and provoke largely overlap; however, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When might peeve be a better fit than provoke?

The words peeve and provoke can be used in similar contexts, but peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When is rile a more appropriate choice than provoke?

Although the words rile and provoke have much in common, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of provoke Except Mullen’s 6-foot-2 Tatum Jones proved more than up to the task, grappling with Brown in the post and provoking brief head-shakes of frustration when the Kansas commit’s teammates couldn’t find her. Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025 Waters added that Democrats would stand up to this plan and not be provoked into violence. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See why this unique activist group continues to provoke strong reactions, challenge norms, and inspire communities around the world. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 Over the past eight years, social media platforms have been skillfully manipulated to provoke anger, rage, fear, and distrust, setting individuals and groups against one another. Peter Suciu, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • On April 5, disenfranchised Americans are being encouraged to protest the Trump administration's policies as part of a national movement in myriad cities, hosted by a group of older Americans called Third Act.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Torres hopes their work will encourage and inspire more students across San Jose to get involved in protests.
    Antara Gangwal, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Questions have been raised for years regarding the level of care at the institution.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2025
  • By comparison, Fine raised less than $1 million between November 26, 2024, and March 3.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Enhance Elasticity Enhances elasticity by deeply nourishing the skin and stimulating collagen production, which helps improve firmness and resilience.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The exercise plate is designed to stimulate muscle contractions and boost your circulation, while also enhancing your mobility and balance.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the state legislature, Fine promoted bills on school choice, immigration, combating antisemitism and other issues.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • On March 25, Princess Beatrice's friend Alice Naylor-Leyland posted pictures from their photo shoot promoting the HRH Princess Beatrice Baby Shower Collection from her Mrs. Alice brand.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Prep Meatballs In a large bowl stir together pork, panko, 1 Tbsp.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The advocates, including two lawyers and religious leaders, argued the arrangement would stir fear in immigrant communities.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But even though lightning is ubiquitous, scientists still don't fully understand what triggers it.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • These switch-like responses suggest that certain landscape changes may trigger spillover conditions rather than gradually increase them.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This was music meant to arouse wonder and yearning.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
  • There were clumps of diseased needles and black limbs killed by lightning long ago, but nothing else to arouse any interest.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • In more recent years, comedy has come under fire for being insensitive and inciting scandals.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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