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 mural replaces a portrait of Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack aboard a North Carolina light rail train last August. — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

The Medical Examiner’s Office determined House died from an unprovoked pulmonary thromboembolism — when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. — Sydney Brammer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File, researchers confirmed 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, slightly below the 10-year average of 72. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The state averages about eight unprovoked bites each year, according to the FWC, which runs a statewide program to address complaints concerning specific alligators believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 30 June 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