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
In recent years, a litany of violent, seemingly unprovoked attacks across Metro led to the deaths or severe injury of several passengers—a confirmation of Angelenos’ worst fears about the system.
—
Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
In legal terms, a dangerous dog is one that has previously caused unprovoked bodily injury or made a person reasonably fear for their safety.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 8 May 2026
Prosecutors said the attack was unprovoked.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Prosecutors said Semrade walked right behind Ozsoy and shoved her by the head and neck during the unprovoked attack.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprovoked
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.
Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
In legal terms, a dangerous dog is one that has previously caused unprovoked bodily injury or made a person reasonably fear for their safety.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 8 May 2026
Prosecutors said the attack was unprovoked.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
Prosecutors said Semrade walked right behind Ozsoy and shoved her by the head and neck during the unprovoked attack.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unprovoked
Cite this Entry
“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
