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
The Senator enlists the help of Davis to provoke Staten at Gracie’s, which leads to a drunken brawl.
—
Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Whether countries would risk provoking Trump with an aggressive response is an open question—and likely depends on how much leverage the United States has, both diplomatically and technologically, and for how long.
—Nikita Lalwani, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Whether countries would risk provoking Trump with an aggressive response is an open question—and likely depends on how much leverage the United States has, both diplomatically and technologically, and for how long.
—Nikita Lalwani, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
-
The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
For example, a VP of sales looking at declining numbers could stop themselves from commanding their team to call an additional 50 leads by the end of week and instead encourage their sales team to be more proactive.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Exposure can also raise the risk of conditions including certain cancers, stroke, asthma, preterm births, dementia, depression and anxiety.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Greece started its golden visa program in 2013 to stabilize housing prices and stimulate growth in a country facing a recession, skyrocketing unemployment, and austerity measures imposed by international lenders.—
Meehika Barua,
HubSpot,
18 Apr. 2025
-
The importance of daylight The infrared light found in daylight can modulate inflammation, stimulate collagen production, prevent neurodegeneration, and even optimize mitochondria, which produce energy inside our cells.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Infielder David Villar was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento to take his place.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Intended to be held over two weeks in April and May 2017, the first Fyre Festival was promoted by social media influencers like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, and ticketholders were promised acts like Blink-182 and Migos.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
Nicole Hopper,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
However, the app’s rising popularity quickly triggered national security and data concerns outside China due to Beijing’s requirement for domestic firms to share data with the PRC.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Market Volatility: The 2022 inflation spike triggered a 52% stock drop (from $170 to $82), exceeding the S&P 500's 25.4% decline.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The double agent Clive arouses Jake’s suspicion immediately, and Sheriff McDowell vouches for him despite being unable to distinguish an Irish accent from a Scottish one.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Their sympathies can be aroused by the stories spun by protectionist politicians.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Murder case draws widespread attention The killing of Thompson and the arrest of Mangione have incited both worry among corporate executives and vitriol against the U.S. health care system.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
-
In most places, standardized testing has become the master rather than the servant—inciting a frenzy of preparation that displaces actual instruction with stress-laden test prep.—
Mark C. Perna,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share