as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in encouraging
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raising
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 provoking
James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
From thought-provoking discussions and engaging events to joyful celebrations and community service.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.
—James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
The ur-mutiny, encompassing some of these, provoking and provoked by others, is MAGA.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
From thought-provoking discussions and engaging events to joyful celebrations and community service.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
If the storytelling were tighter and more successfully focused on its more sociologically provocative elements, Detective Hole could have settled into the overstuffed genre’s top tier rather than taking a place in the acceptable middle.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
-
But this crop of youthful, intentionally provocative antisemites is novel in some ways.—
Suzanne Schneider,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Felder suggested that the Beth El rabbis send out a congregation-wide e-mail offering guidance on how to respond to the humanitarian crisis—say, by directing members to relief groups or by encouraging members to contact their representatives in Congress to exert pressure on Israel.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Your 4th House of Protection hosts contentment-seeking Venus, encouraging you to take comfort in your private world.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to take a toll on Colorado's snowpack, raising concerns about dangerous avalanche conditions across the high country.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Past grand juries have issued reports raising awareness of shady land deals, questionable legislative appropriations and officials slow-walking public records requests.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Alcalde explains that red light at 650nm works closer to the surface, stimulating collagen production and supporting skin repair; over time, this translates to improvements in firmness, tone, and radiance.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Activities like using a computer to solve a puzzle were considered intellectually stimulating.—
Kaan Ozcan,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
-
By 2033, the trust fund will run dry, triggering that immense, across-the-board drop that is slated to punish the most vulnerable Americans by collapsing all benefits an equal share regardless of income.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The moody Moon in your 6th House of Effort opposes fiery Mars in your 12th House of Thoughts, stirring urgency around upcoming deadlines, outdated routines, or daily goals.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
When the ale is nearing a boil, put it in another pitcher, pour it very gradually into the pitcher containing the egg mix, while stirring briskly to prevent the eggs from curdling.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Several of her Instagram posts also included hashtags promoting Swift’s album.—
Joe Kottke,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Chestnut said in an Instagram story, promoting a clip from the Sunday, March 29, episode, in which Watson is reunited with Sherlock.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
