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
James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
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
Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
The festival features screenings of thought-provoking films, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, according to a news release.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.
—James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
Reading Beating Heart Baby was a transporting, confectionary, thought-provoking pleasure.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
The festival features screenings of thought-provoking films, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, according to a news release.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
If the storytelling were tighter and more successfully focused on its more sociologically provocative elements, Detective Hole could have settled into the overstuffed genre’s top tier rather than taking a place in the acceptable middle.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
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But this crop of youthful, intentionally provocative antisemites is novel in some ways.—
Suzanne Schneider,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Let soak, encouraging sand and soil to sink, before removing.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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The Cubs are encouraging Taillon to really push his intensity level on his bullpen days but then hardly throw the following day, instead focusing on just moving around and being athletic.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to take a toll on Colorado's snowpack, raising concerns about dangerous avalanche conditions across the high country.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Past grand juries have issued reports raising awareness of shady land deals, questionable legislative appropriations and officials slow-walking public records requests.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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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
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The Form Insoles combine mechanical arch support with a neuro-stimulating texture, which is proven to reduce foot fatigue and arch pain by increasing overall foot awareness and foot posture.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
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The skin care tool is trending for its scalp-stimulating benefits.—
Fiona Ward,
Glamour,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
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By 2033, the trust fund will run dry, triggering that immense, across-the-board drop that is slated to punish the most vulnerable Americans by collapsing all benefits an equal share regardless of income.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The instinctive Moon squares ambitious Mars, stirring your 5th House of Play and your 2nd House of Cash together.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt, and remaining onions and cook, stirring often, until onions are deep brown and crisp in spots, 13–17 minutes.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That power has touched thousands and thousands of kids in the region through refurbishing basketball courts, hosting basketball clinics and promoting academic enrichment.—
Kerri Corrado,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
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For two decades, Democrats have campaigned among Latinos on the promise of comprehensive immigration reform and an economic policy that would level the playing field, including raising the federal minimum wage, providing universal pre-K education and promoting affordable housing.—
Gary M. Segura,
The Conversation,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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