provoking

adjective

pro·​vok·​ing prə-ˈvō-kiŋ How to pronounce provoking (audio)
Synonyms of provokingnext
: causing mild anger : annoying
provokingly adverb

Examples of provoking in a Sentence

the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 The characterizations are complex and thought-provoking, and the descriptions of the natural world put the reader right there. The Know, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for provoking

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provoking was in 1642

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provoking. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

provoking

adjective
pro·​vok·​ing
prə-ˈvō-kiŋ
: causing mild anger : annoying
a provoking delay
provokingly
-kiŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on provoking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster