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
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.
Last month, a 71-year-old man was reportedly hit four times on the head unprovoked by an object — believed to be a cell phone — being brandished by a woman on the ninth floor of the store, the outlet reported, citing police. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025 That attack was also unprovoked. Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025 Deputy Brown’s courage in the face of an unprovoked and cowardly attack reflects the very best of our profession. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Dec. 2025 According to a police report, the victim reportedly had no contact with Popps prior to the beating, with authorities adding the attack was unprovoked. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unprovoked

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!