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
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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
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Recent Examples of provoking
Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Critics have praised Navarrette for her empathy-provoking performance, a rarity among horror movie villains, and several critics have called on voters to remember her next awards season.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Ultimately, a party that cannot manage its own post-mortem without provoking near-universal condemnation is not yet a party that has shown itself capable of making the affirmative case for why voters should hand them the White House in 2028.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Critics have praised Navarrette for her empathy-provoking performance, a rarity among horror movie villains, and several critics have called on voters to remember her next awards season.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.—
William Arruda,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
And not all of his merchandise is provocative.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
Verb
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After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
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One partner gets a little embarrassed, but the other lightens the mood and keeps encouraging them.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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He was recently asked about raising taxes on the rich.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
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Last year’s conference-final loss to the Florida Panthers — an ugly result for an overmatched roster that had spent the regular season outkicking its coverage, maximizing its performance and raising expectations to an unreasonable level — is on that ledger, too.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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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
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The honors program provides students with innovative and stimulating academic programming through high-impact learning practices.—
Aegis,
Baltimore Sun,
28 May 2026
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Cinnamon can be used for everything from germination to protecting plants from pests and diseases, from stimulating plant growth to as a natural antiseptic, fungicide, and pest repellent.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
23 May 2026
Verb
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On March 26, 1997, the Red Wings sought retribution as McCarty went after Lemieux, triggering a full-scale brawl with goalies Roy and Mike Vernon in a bloody fight at center ice.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
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The incident occurred on Wednesday night when authorities received a report of shots fired outside Barrett’s home, triggering a police response.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
28 May 2026
Verb
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At Eau Bar during early sunset, spring for a poolside lounger to catch a soul-stirring ceremony of bodu beru drummers walking the edge of a circular infinity pool, torch-lighting a fire ring backed by a fading horizon.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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The Human Is Staying In The Picture (Mostly) Screenwriter and director Paul Schrader, at nearly 80 years old an unlikely technology provocateur, delivered a talk at AI on the Lot peppered with pot-stirring takes.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Three researchers, two of whom have since gone on to bigger and better successes, Vinay Prasad and Tracey Beth Hoeg, explained in detail how committed the CDC was to promoting masks.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
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That includes signs and, yes, hats, t-shirts, buttons, stickers or other clothing promoting a particular candidate or initiative.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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