as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in encouraging
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raising
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 provoking
Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Eclectic and thought-provoking, these films ask urgent questions about our past, present and future, alongside deeply personal stories of resilience and triumph.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Michael Cowan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Hulu has steadily built a library of bold, thought-provoking miniseries that have managed to entertain audiences in short bursts.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Eclectic and thought-provoking, these films ask urgent questions about our past, present and future, alongside deeply personal stories of resilience and triumph.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
The avant-garde, too, was fascinated by the idea of provoking psychological responses in spectators through art.
—Michael Cowan, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
Hulu has steadily built a library of bold, thought-provoking miniseries that have managed to entertain audiences in short bursts.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
Fennell is a polarizing filmmaker, with a self-consciously provocative streak.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In her provocative new spin on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, the Oscar-winning filmmaker announces from the get-go that this isn’t your grandmother’s windswept Gothic romance.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The challenge lies in balancing functional benefit with the risk of encouraging unnecessary anthropomorphism and its broader social consequences.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
-
This structure is intended to help keep value circulating within the community, encouraging positive participation rather than framing compliance as a penalty.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The agent is seen raising the pepper spray can, pointing it towards the crowd in what looked to be an attempt to keep them at a distance.—
Gio Insignares,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
In an email to The Times, Newsom spokesperson Tara Gallegos said the governor had a strong record of fighting for workers’ rights, including raising the minimum wage and expanding sick leave and other worker protections.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Protein helps build and preserve muscle by supplying amino acids and stimulating muscle protein synthesis, especially when coupled with strength training.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The researchers found that targeting this network with brain-stimulating treatments could better alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Paying the tax typically requires selling assets or borrowing against them, triggering capital gains taxes, leverage risks, and further distortions.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Illnesses like the flu can also lead to dehydration, triggering headaches and other symptoms.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are on their way to tender (but not yet falling apart), 8 to 10 minutes.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Another method for cleaning silver involves filling an aluminum pan with hot water, salt, and baking soda, stirring until dissolved, and then soaking the pieces until a chemical reaction occurs that removes the tarnish.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
On Sunday, Musk shared the company’s first Super Bowl ad, promoting its Starlink Wi-Fi service.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
-
These were not the first Super Bowl ads promoting AI services.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
