1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
On his first solo release in eight years, 100 gecs’ mutant-pop prankster turns his attention to relatively straightforward big-tent EDM—but not without a little noise-scene provocation.
—
Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026
The softer songs ease off of careful provocations and shouty tones, for the most part, in favor of more flowery writing and vocal deliveries.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
In the early 1980s, in the full flush of revolutionary ardor and against an age-old enemy who had attacked them without provocation, the Iranian people and armed forces fought and suffered for their country.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
South Korea’s national security council called the launches a provocation that violated United Nations Security Council resolutions that bans any ballistic activities by North Korea.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026
The softer songs ease off of careful provocations and shouty tones, for the most part, in favor of more flowery writing and vocal deliveries.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
In the early 1980s, in the full flush of revolutionary ardor and against an age-old enemy who had attacked them without provocation, the Iranian people and armed forces fought and suffered for their country.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
South Korea’s national security council called the launches a provocation that violated United Nations Security Council resolutions that bans any ballistic activities by North Korea.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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Managing Owner Jorge Mas expressed excitement for the team's future, even as construction continues on the final touches, from the building itself down to the seat numbers.—
Samantha Rivera,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, and mothers-to-be are often brimming with questions, many of them, unfortunately, based on myth and superstition.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This is not an indictment of individuals but of incentives built into a system structured to protect bureaucracy while classrooms absorb the pressure.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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This investment would be best paired with incentives to companies to offer greater part-time and flexible work options.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What were the hostage takers’ motivations?—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
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The other is a patchy, unpersuasive psychodrama about the underlying motivations and years-later ramifications of an unspeakable act—or, in this case, an unrealized plan to commit an unspeakable act.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Others were tested for use in appetite suppression or stimulation, wound repair, sleep regulation, anti-aging and immunity support, among other purposes.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Rewarding good behavior and enriching the feline’s environment with play and stimulation can reduce curtain climbing.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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