1
as in to encourage
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to raise
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of provoke
Payá and the young activist Harold Cepero were killed in 2012 in a car crash provoked by Cuban state security agents, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, part of the Organization of American States, concluded in a 2023 report.
—
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
During Musk’s brief role helping the administration, his sometimes successful attempts at slashing government spending provoked ire from much of Tesla’s traditional customer base, with environmentalist and left-leaning politics.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Don’t provoke an animal for a better viewing angle or a reaction for a photo
Whistling, shouting, or waving your hands can appear aggressive, causing the animal to flee—or charge.
—Ruffin Prevost, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
During Musk’s brief role helping the administration, his sometimes successful attempts at slashing government spending provoked ire from much of Tesla’s traditional customer base, with environmentalist and left-leaning politics.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Don’t provoke an animal for a better viewing angle or a reaction for a photo
Whistling, shouting, or waving your hands can appear aggressive, causing the animal to flee—or charge.
—Ruffin Prevost, AFAR Media, 18 July 2025
Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
-
During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Funds for the Parkland Library reopening came from a mix of allocations in the city budget, federal American Rescue Plan funds and donations raised through the Library Foundation.—
Keely Doll,
The Courier-Journal,
29 July 2025
-
That’s raised the natural question of whether the Cubs should make a move at the hot corner.—
Jared Wyllys,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
-
The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
His connections and insights are expected to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Camb.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
That Trump’s name appears in Epstein files the government has not yet publicized has stirred a variety of reactions among his supporters.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
24 July 2025
-
To make the honey syrup: mix two parts honey by volume with one part hot water and stir to incorporate (let chill before preparing the cocktail).—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
In fact, Patrick's frustration with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, over vouchers and the House's decision to bring 20 impeachment charges against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 were triggering factors in setting up the speaker's race ahead of the start of session.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
And in diplomacy, room is everything—room to think, adjust and reposition without losing face or triggering escalation.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
This, of course, has only aroused interest and suspicion.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
16 July 2025
-
But less mechanically demanding games like Journey also arouse those nearly indescribably wonderful feelings associated with trekking: freedom, awe, fear, maybe loneliness — above all, the sensation of being totally immersed in nature.—
Lewis Gordon,
Vulture,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Fearmongering, intimidation and threats against judges are growing across social media platforms, often incited by our co-equal branches of government.—
Andre M. Davis,
Baltimore Sun,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share