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Examples of provoke in a Sentence
His remarks provoked both tears and laughter.
He just says those things because he's trying to provoke you.
The animal will not attack unless it is provoked.
Recent Examples of provoke from the Web
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Yet the move has provoked a strong outcry, both from free speech advocates and political parties across the ideological spectrum in Germany.
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The head of Russia’s foreign intelligence agency lashed out at the U.S. and NATO allies on Wednesday, accusing the West of provoking a new Cold War amid escalating tensions over the poisoning of an ex-spy and his daughter in England.
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Now, an Islamabad court now wants Rizvi to be tried for provoking the violence.
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During its short life as a public company, Tesla has provoked an unending debate between believers in its prospects and doubters who point to its continuing losses.
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Spectre 2 has provoked both operating system and hardware changes, with more hardware fixes planned.
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From elsewhere in the federal government, Sunday night’s death may provoke a sharper response.
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Trump also credited himself for using a hawkish strategy to induce North Korea to enter talks about limiting its nuclear capabilities despite international concern that his rhetoric might provoke a confrontation.
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For example, the type of polarizing ads that Facebook admits Russia’s Internet Research Agency purchased get rewarded by Facebook’s undisclosed algorithm for provoking user engagement.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'provoke.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
provoke Synonyms
Near Antonyms
bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame;
allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize);
Related Words
advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate;
detonate, set, set off, trigger;
excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse;
activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize;
Phrases
set in motion;
Synonym Discussion of provoke
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- my stories usually provoke laughter
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- news that excited anger and frustration
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- stimulating conversation
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- that remark piqued my interest
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- the high salary quickened her desire to have the job
synonyms see in addition irritate
PROVOKE Defined for English Language Learners
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: to cause the occurrence of (a feeling or action) : to make (something) happen
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: to cause (a person or animal) to become angry, violent, etc.
PROVOKE Defined for Kids
- Don't provoke your sister.
- The joke provoked a smile.
Word Root of provoke
Medical Dictionary
- ipecac provokes vomiting
Law Dictionary
provoker
nounLearn More about provoke
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See words that rhyme with provoke Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for provoke Spanish Central: Translation of provoke Nglish: Translation of provoke for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of provoke for Arabic speakers
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