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

Ukrinform | Future Publishing | Getty Images Elon Musk's latest clash with Ukraine underscores the critical role that his company's Starlink satellite internet service has played in Kyiv's defense against Russia, which invaded unprovoked in 2022. — Annie Palmer,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

There were 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, up from 47 the previous year, including nine fatalities, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

The Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File recorded 29 unprovoked bites in the country between 2012 and 2021, an average of about three a year. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

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

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