unprovoked

adjective

un·​pro·​voked ˌən-prə-ˈvōkt How to pronounce unprovoked (audio)
: 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
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.
Continue reading … ‘HORRIFIC’ — Train rider killed in unprovoked knife attack as CCTV captures every second. FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 He is charged with assault, weapons possession and endangering the welfare of an elderly person for the unprovoked attack, cops said. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 2 June 2026 His family said the brutal assault was unprovoked. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia told NBC San Diego that the attack was unprovoked. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for unprovoked

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprovoked was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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