unprovoked
adjective
un·pro·voked
ˌən-prə-ˈvōkt 
: occurring without any identifiable cause or justification : not provoked
an unprovoked assault/attack
unprovoked anger
Examples of unprovoked in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then, on top of the tariff policies, which are very inflationary, the unprovoked Iranian war increased energy prices.
—
Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Brown, 34, could face the death penalty in the killing of Zarutska, who was stabbed from behind with a pocketknife while seated and looking at her phone in an unprovoked attack on August 22, 2025.
—Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The World Cup begins on June 11, with the first match being played in Atlanta on June 15, forcing MARTA to answer questions about passenger safety as recent attacks appear unprovoked.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Prosecutors say the stabbing was an unprovoked attack related to a dispute over whether Anthony could be under the tent of Metcalf’s team during a rainy track meet.
—Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprovoked
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.
Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Brown, 34, could face the death penalty in the killing of Zarutska, who was stabbed from behind with a pocketknife while seated and looking at her phone in an unprovoked attack on August 22, 2025.
—Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
The World Cup begins on June 11, with the first match being played in Atlanta on June 15, forcing MARTA to answer questions about passenger safety as recent attacks appear unprovoked.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Prosecutors say the stabbing was an unprovoked attack related to a dispute over whether Anthony could be under the tent of Metcalf’s team during a rainy track meet.
—Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprovoked
Cite this Entry
“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
