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.
Graham advises calling a vet if a rabbit suddenly starts to demonstrate unprovoked aggression in a previously gentle rabbit. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 Dogs that are off leash and get between a bear and their escape route, their food, or their cubs will cause this reaction — this was not an unprovoked attack, and hunting bears would not have prevented it. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025 But Dominguez said Smith pepper-sprayed his client in an unprovoked attack. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 26 June 2025 The unprovoked attack happened around 11 p.m. Saturday at the fast food restaurant, located at 13550 Southwest 152nd Street, the sheriff’s office said. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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