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 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

Ali, a war survivor from Iraq, takes pride in learning how to use a sewing machine at Eder, but also recounts how he was knocked unconscious in an unprovoked assault while shopping with his family in Walmart. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 26 June 2026

An unprovoked shark attack is defined by ISAF as when a shark bites a human in its own habitat without any provocation by the human. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 June 2026

The Bahamas accounted for five of the unprovoked shark bites recorded last year, according to the file, though none of the five were fatal. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 24 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