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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoking
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Apr. 2023
The results are as enlightening, thought-provoking and frequently amusing as the man himself.
—Jason Bailey, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2023
Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provoking 
Adjective
In general, if there was a provoking factor (like surgery) that has gone away, most people do not need lifelong therapy.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Apr. 2023
The results are as enlightening, thought-provoking and frequently amusing as the man himself.
—Jason Bailey, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2023
Verb
Well-researched and drawing on memorable primary sources, this thought-provoking book brings these women to life in a way that enriches our public discourse about gender, politics and presidential leadership, and provides a critically important perspective about women in American history.
—Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
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To photograph her as a model, in the bold outfits and provocative poses that advertising and editorial employ, renders that photographic language distinctly visible, and critiquable.Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024
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The movie’s sharp humor and layered storytelling explore themes of faith and ambition in a way that feels both fresh and provocative.Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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In light of these statistics, organizations are increasingly pushing consumers toward chatbots, emails and FAQs, encouraging customers to figure out their own problems.Todd Fisher, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Practical actions can include celebrating employee achievements, encouraging staff participation in brand initiatives and highlighting employee stories in external communications.Anna Convery-Pelletier, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Harris has come under fire for losing her campaign despite raising more than $1 billion.Erin Mansfield, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
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About 32% of owners reported raising compensation, up a point from October.Lucia Mutikani, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.Kristina Hook, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2022
Verb
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In addition, research suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can decrease intestinal permeability in IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders.Stacey Colino, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024
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Studies in mice and rats with partial spinal cord injuries showed that stimulating these neurons improved the animals’ ability to walk, paving the way for the current trials in humans.Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated, about 3 minutes.Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
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Bring to a simmer over medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
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These organizations can offer athletes valuable benefits, including representation in group licensing deals, and provide them a collective voice in promoting their views with lawmakers, business leaders and other key constituencies.Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Dec. 2024
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Ensure your leadership is promoting safety as a priority, as this can help motivate everyone to adopt safe practices.Andreza Araujo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Virgo Competition may arise with coworkers, inciting them to take credit for your ideas.Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024
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Authorities accuse them of inciting attacks against security forces and disturbing public peace.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near provoking
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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