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
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After its rapid and stunning military success, Israel may also feel further emboldened to resort to unprovoked military attacks rather than diplomacy. Hasan T. Alhasan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2025 According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks last year. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025 Three young girls are accused in a series of unprovoked assaults on people in San Francisco, California police reported. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025 According to police, the stabbing is believed to have occurred during an unprovoked attack in the presence of several young children. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.

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