1
as in to encourage
to rouse to strong feeling or action
his teasing finally provoked her to anger bees generally will not sting unless they are provoked
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to raise
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoke
Beijing’s attempt to control the Dalai Lama’s succession may backfire, destabilizing China’s western frontier and provoking the very instability that Chinese leaders hope to avoid.
—
Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
About those shark bites Naylor often talks with people about shark bites, and whether they're provoked or unprovoked, thanks to duties that include overseeing the International Shark Attack File at UF’s Museum of Natural History.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Authorities say that the man, a tourist from the neighboring state of Kerala, was lucky to survive — and that the elephant was likely provoked because the tourist had climbed out of his safari vehicle and approached the animal to take a selfie.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.
—Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
About those shark bites Naylor often talks with people about shark bites, and whether they're provoked or unprovoked, thanks to duties that include overseeing the International Shark Attack File at UF’s Museum of Natural History.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Authorities say that the man, a tourist from the neighboring state of Kerala, was lucky to survive — and that the elephant was likely provoked because the tourist had climbed out of his safari vehicle and approached the animal to take a selfie.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.
—Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
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In interviews, real estate lawyers said that mortgage lenders are typically well aware of their clients’ other loans and sometimes even encourage the primary-residence language for second homes.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
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Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and food.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The deal, brokered after a standoff between state and county officials resulting from a disagreement over whether to raise assessments this year, means homeowners will see a nearly 7% increase above their 2024 property valuation.—
Madeline King,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
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The Bundy family said information about the object removed from Ryan Bundy’s arm could raise more questions in the incident.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For the first part of the trial, Mowery spent 10 days in the hospital while doctors created a grid of more than 100 points on his head to try to find different circuits or certain activation for pain by watching and stimulating his brain.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
7 Sep. 2025
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Drinking coffee may stimulate an increase in acid production in the stomach.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This team is once again dealing with turnover at offensive coordinator, with Kevin Patullo promoted over the offseason to replace Kellen Moore, who is now head coach of the Saints.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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The Commission was also unimpressed by Jackson continuing to promote SPIS’ data around the location on the pitch and timing of Paqueta’s bookings during the game during cross-examination, despite the fact that the FA had abandoned this evidence.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As their mismatched personalities stir tension with each other — and the group — old resentments bubble up, forcing them to reckon with their relationship and the lives waiting for them back home.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Cook stirring frequently until walnuts are coated, about 5 to 6 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The signatories — which included the likes of EV manufacturers Volvo and Polestar, as well as material suppliers, battery manufacturers and grid operators — said the introduction of the target had already triggered hundreds of billions of euros in new investment.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Polish airspace was violated by at least 19 Russian drones overnight, the country's prime minister said, in a torrent of activity that triggered a response from the NATO country's air force, which scrambled and downed several of the drones.—
Will Gretsky,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Stubborn inflation and the potential for tariffs to drive up prices have aroused significant fears among policymakers and consumers that household budgets and the economy as a whole will be under significant strain for the foreseeable future.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
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The horrors of Gaza have rightly aroused international outrage.—
Sam Fleischacker,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Philippi also repeatedly espoused his adherence to white supremacist and accelerationist ideologies which promote the idea that a destabilizing terrorist attack on something like the nation's energy sectors could serve to incite unrest that leads to civil war, prosecutors said.—
Alexander Mallin,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
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But the journalist didn’t mention what incited the longest silence.—
Jeannie Vanasco
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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