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
As celebratory crowds swarmed Mr. Mondlane’s motorcade in Maputo on Thursday, witnesses say the police, with little provocation, responded with tear gas and bullets, leaving at least one man dead on the sidewalk with blood gushing from his head.
—
Tavares Cebola, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Considering this is an intimate environment with a lot of suites — and the type of people who fill up suites on opening night of an entirely new thing — getting anything from the fans without provocation is a win.
—Brody Miller and Hugh Kellenberger, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Poilievre has been described as a Trump-like figure, casting himself as a victim of the elite and the media, with a penchant for insults and provocations.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Following the impeachment, Choi said that the government had ordered the military to increase vigilance, citing the possibility that North Korea could exploit South Korea’s political instability to carry out acts of provocation.
—Stella Kim, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation 
Tavares Cebola, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Considering this is an intimate environment with a lot of suites — and the type of people who fill up suites on opening night of an entirely new thing — getting anything from the fans without provocation is a win.
—Brody Miller and Hugh Kellenberger, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Poilievre has been described as a Trump-like figure, casting himself as a victim of the elite and the media, with a penchant for insults and provocations.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Following the impeachment, Choi said that the government had ordered the military to increase vigilance, citing the possibility that North Korea could exploit South Korea’s political instability to carry out acts of provocation.
—Stella Kim, NBC News, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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Liao says the excitement around a possible announcement is also a time for Swifties to learn about a new culture.—
Bryan West,
USA TODAY,
29 Jan. 2025
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Hunter can play on both sides of the ball and bring some excitement to a Cleveland team that is looking to turn the corner after a setback year.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Cuts could have other downsides Buyouts and incentives aimed at shrinking the number of federal employees aren't new.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
31 Jan. 2025
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The fine print: The incentives deal is still being finalized, but a Department of Development spokesperson confirmed that Anduril has committed to creating 4,008 full-time jobs by the end of 2035 that will generate over $530 million in new annual payroll.—
Andrew King,
Axios,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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What to Know The new payments, known as Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), are being sent to eligible taxpayers who did not claim federal stimulus checks they were entitled to as part of their tax returns for 2021.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
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From bailing out financial institutions in 2008 to funding government stimulus programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed has consistently prioritized political expediency over economic fundamentals.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Amidst all the talk in Washington about tax reform, it’s lost to most Americans what is the principal impetus behind it.—
Ryan Ellis,
National Review,
31 Jan. 2025
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The thing is that a lot of the impetus for this was misinformation around the 2016 presidential election, like the fake news that the Pope had endorsed Donald Trump or conspiracy theories around Hillary Clinton.—
Lauren Goode,
WIRED,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The same study noted that businesses that offered words of encouragement, acts of appreciation or other kind acts helped improve engagement and accountability among the workforce.—
Kate Vitasek,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
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In the hours and days that followed Andrews’ heartbreaking drop in the corner of the end zone, his teammates offered praise and words of encouragement.—
Sam Cohn,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The swingman’s stats have also faltered this past month, with his scoring and shooting attempts dropping drastically, which many have attributed to Butler’s uninspired play and seeming lack of motivation.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 Jan. 2025
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To that end, the recent three-point loss in Las Vegas should assist with motivation.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near provocation
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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