1
as in encourages
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 raises
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
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Recent Examples of provokes
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 May 2026
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.
—Elisa Wouk Almino
editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The visual effect provokes strikes, but the vibrations also stimulate the receptors in a bass's lateral line.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Deadline can reveal the first trailer for the radical love story revolving around Suzanne and undocumented migrant Osmane, whose relationship provokes a wave of anger and indignation all around them, forcing them to resist.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 May 2026
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.
—Elisa Wouk Almino
editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The visual effect provokes strikes, but the vibrations also stimulate the receptors in a bass's lateral line.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Deadline can reveal the first trailer for the radical love story revolving around Suzanne and undocumented migrant Osmane, whose relationship provokes a wave of anger and indignation all around them, forcing them to resist.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
Verb
-
The scene of the two boys discussing Kayda is kind of funny, especially the number of times Zach laughs and encourages Bryce to go for it.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
-
The new standard encourages companies to prioritize direct emissions reductions across operations and value chains, while at the same time adjusting systems within their operation where direct decarbonization isn’t possible.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
And the influence that both romantic and platonic relationships have over a person’s lifespan raises concerns about the current declines in social health.—
Jessica DuLong,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
The controversy raises broader concerns about facilities like Albany Care that provide homes and treatment for adults with serious mental illness.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
When someone encounters a threat, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
-
Having more muscle is beneficial, since muscle mass stimulates bone formation, Matzkin explained.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Swimming also promotes heart health.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Insoluble fiber helps move food through your digestive tract, while soluble fiber promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
The Aries Moon stirs home and family matters, so emotional safety matters as much as the agreement itself.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
-
Its movement still stirs something elemental, equal parts comfort and awe.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Left unmanaged, coal waste routinely triggers water contamination, airborne dust pollution, and spontaneous fires.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
-
That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that quickly learn to identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules.—
Matthew Perrone,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
Someone who inspires me with her big, beautiful heart.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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