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
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Recent Examples of provoking
Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Adam Crafton’s interview with him was thought-provoking.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
There was the invasion, the election deniers, and a leader provoking his audience to do something.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
To other researchers not involved in the project, the images in the paper and the revelations about the tubules’ structure are thought-provoking.
—Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Adam Crafton’s interview with him was thought-provoking.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
Throughout the weekend, McIlroy and other European players sparred with fans, provoking the Irish golfer in at least one instance to yell back at the crowd, while others flashed middle fingers in response to the jeers.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
There was the invasion, the election deniers, and a leader provoking his audience to do something.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
In some instances, demonstrators have displayed provocative props such as a guillotine to symbolize opposition to federal actions.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The Valiant is an incredibly provocative car.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The idea behind the guide was that encouraging people to take more road trips would increase the demand for tires.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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Through his work, Strachan examines histories often overlooked in mainstream narratives, particularly those connected to the Black diaspora, encouraging viewers to reconsider which histories are celebrated and how they are represented.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Experts at Sweetbriar said the effort was not just about saving one insect but also about raising awareness.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The beloved actor, 99, recently reflected on his life’s work while hosting Vandy High Tea, a charity event raising funds to benefit The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is currently in development, alongside his wife, Arlene Silver.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
-
The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
Verb
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The vaccine combines two immune-stimulating molecules (adjuvants) in a tiny lipid nanoparticle that enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Oct. 2025
-
From removing buildup to stimulating circulation and keeping your complexion vibrant and balanced, estheticians often recommend monthly facials as necessary maintenance for your skin.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The man said no, triggering a mistrial on the rape count.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
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Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Wrapped in a towel, barely stirring, but slightly breathing, was a newborn baby girl buried beneath a foot of earth.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Uncover and cook on medium-high until sauce is thickened and glazy, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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To their credit, Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) continues to play an important role in promoting transparency and accountability in the garment sector, and its inclusion of freedom of association indicators in factory assessments contributes valuable data for policy dialogue.—
Sourcing Journal,
Sourcing Journal,
15 Oct. 2025
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Duran had published articles on Tan and his wealthy colleagues, like Balaji Srinivasan, a tech investor who was promoting an esoteric but stubbornly influential concept called the Network State.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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