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.
To begin with, the company’s unprovoked faceplant was, if nothing else, one of the biggest public relations misfires in recent corporate history. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 Activities like spearfishing can attract sharks and increase the odds of unprovoked attacks. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 Last year, the US had 28 unprovoked shark attacks, 14 of which were in Florida, according to the group. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 About those shark bites Naylor often talks with people about shark bites, and whether they're provoked or unprovoked, thanks to duties that include overseeing the International Shark Attack File at UF’s Museum of Natural History. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 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 9 Sep. 2025.

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