unprovoked

adjective

un·​pro·​voked ˌən-prə-ˈvōkt How to pronounce unprovoked (audio)
: occurring without any identifiable cause or justification : not provoked
an unprovoked assault/attack
unprovoked anger

Examples of unprovoked in a Sentence

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.
President Trump’s unprovoked attack on higher education was a call to action which has been answered by Harvard and leaders from over 100 other schools across nearly 40 states. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 19 Apr. 2025 At this point, the other agent picks up a sledgehammer and starts smashing his way into the back windshield unprovoked. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 One need only note the widening acceptance of the absurd lie that Ukraine is at fault for the unprovoked Russian invasion of its land or that NATO has been the historical aggressor. Michael Miklaucic, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025 The unprovoked attacks on ships in the Suez region by Houthis are clearly wrong, and the U.S. has justifiably retaliated in order to defend our interests. Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprovoked

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprovoked was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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