1
as in encouraged
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 triggered
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
as in aggravated
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 provoked
Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
But the vote provoked a firestorm from progressive groups and rank-and-file Democrats, who accused him of capitulating without winning concessions.
—Nik Popli, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
The book that made Godwin’s name and provoked Malthus was An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, published in 1793.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
His commentary provoked fiery responses, including from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
The remarks provoked swift backlash from many, including Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC.
—Allison Kiehl, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
The latter film was made in cooperation with Iranian authorities and provoked anger from Woman Life Freedom supporters for the fact the female cast members all covered their hair.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
This has provoked inevitable eye-rolling about nepotism, but Mann is a comedic star in her own right.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
An international bestseller later turned into a film by Mira Nair, the book owed its success, in part, to its blunt articulation of the fear and loathing provoked by the American Empire even among many of its eager janissaries.
—Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
But the vote provoked a firestorm from progressive groups and rank-and-file Democrats, who accused him of capitulating without winning concessions.
—Nik Popli, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
The book that made Godwin’s name and provoked Malthus was An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, published in 1793.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
His commentary provoked fiery responses, including from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
The remarks provoked swift backlash from many, including Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC.
—Allison Kiehl, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Sep. 2025
Gutman's comment have provoked backlash on social media, with some calling for him to be fired from his role.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
The latter film was made in cooperation with Iranian authorities and provoked anger from Woman Life Freedom supporters for the fact the female cast members all covered their hair.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
This has provoked inevitable eye-rolling about nepotism, but Mann is a comedic star in her own right.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
Verb
-
In his acceptance speech, Cooper revealed only started drama classes a couple of years ago and encouraged those watching to step out of their comfort zones.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
-
In recent years, as American moms have been enthusiastically encouraged to breastfeed, many experts have emphasized that making sure infants are fed, period, should be parents’ highest priority.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These two triggered the idea of creating a game and using a kind of Monopoly-type board game.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
-
This design enables the metamaterial to switch between open and closed states when triggered by a magnetic field.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
He was booked into Thurston County Jail on suspicion of robbery and aggravated battery, police said.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Henry Mesker, 25, was the second person to accept the plea agreement and plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault, court records said.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But dogs still need ways to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
-
For example, one study found that breast cancer cell growth was stimulated by low concentrations of genistein and inhibited by higher concentrations.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Getty Images Rec, a technology company serving the parks and recreation industry, has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round in which several former and current professional athletes participated.—
Tim Casey,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The Eco Wave Power logo is displayed on a floater raised out of the water during a demonstration of Eco Wave Power electricity generation technology using the power of ocean waves in the harbor at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California, on August 26, 2025.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
At the same time, the new chief executive officer of the British Fashion Council, a former fashion editor who was most recently executive creative director of Selfridges, isn’t frustrated or angry about the myriad challenges London fashion is facing right now.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The hosts were attempting to get the cameras rolling again, and the Dipset rapper grew frustrated.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That rich color, the soft texture of the suède, stirred in me all the promise of autumn, of a new school year, of a chance to have instead of to want—in other words, to finally be.—
Rachel Kushner,
New Yorker,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The Exploremores have already stirred debate online.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the journalist didn’t mention what incited the longest silence.—
Jeannie Vanasco
September 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The witness said survivors were placed in a courtyard, where hospital staff incited others to beat them.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share