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

The alleged confrontation was apparently unprovoked, according to the police department, which said the man in the vehicle, who declined medical attention, did not know the man charged in the incident. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

During the sentencing, prosecutors said the shooting occurred during an unprovoked attack after Gerardi reportedly let his rage get the best of him. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026

While the coyote attack was seemingly unprovoked, the news station offered tips on how to ward wild animals away, including making sure food or anything else that may attract predators is properly disposed of. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026

The attacks seem to be unprovoked, and police believe the same animal is responsible. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unprovoked

• choked
• cloaked
• coked
• croaked
• joked
• poked
• smoked
• soaked
• stoked
• stroked
• yoked
• convoked