as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in encouraging
to rouse to strong feeling or action
his teasing finally provoked her to anger bees generally will not sting unless they are provoked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raising
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of provoking
James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
This documentary plumbs the issue in a personal, entertaining and thought-provoking way.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.
—James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
When not in the newsroom, Munis is often out on the streets with his camera, capturing the perfect portrait or settling in to watch a thought-provoking film.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
This documentary plumbs the issue in a personal, entertaining and thought-provoking way.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
The widespread reach of social media has brought videos of war zones and the voices of people living through wars to global audiences, but often provocative images and videos that lack context can spread and be reshared in ways that further strip away context and nuance.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Reportedly shunned by festivals like Sundance and SXSW last year and ignored by distributors, this provocative chamber drama finally gets a theatrical release from a fledgling shingle, Obscured Releasing, this spring.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Setting kind, consistent boundaries and encouraging independence helps kids develop important life skills and emotional regulation.—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Clever Mercury in your sign trines lucky Jupiter in your 5th House of Delight, giving your words a playful glow and encouraging authentic self-expression.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But the arc — first raising expectations for a big reveal, then declaring there was nothing to see, and ultimately a forced, flawed document dump — was a stubbornly problematic storyline that ran through her time as attorney general.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Despite recent rain and snow in Northern California, state water officials say the Sierra snowpack remains near historic lows, raising concerns about water availability during the hot summer months.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The funding aims to enhance all-weather roads, stormwater drainage, street lighting, and public markets to improve transport connections, reduce flooding, and boost public safety, while also stimulating the local economy.—
Paige Bruton,
semafor.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Xie said the massage is based on traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on stimulating acupressure points around the eyes.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The tightening of the reins in the British Mandate for Palestine comes as Adolf Hitler and Germany invade Poland, triggering the beginnings of World War II, and as Jewish refugees fleeing persecution begin entering the region.—
Zach Dennis,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the themes Common Sense Media highlights, the Trigger Warning Database's list also includes potentially triggering events or themes, like drugging, avalanches, poverty and more.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Add celery and mushrooms, and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.—
Elizabeth Passarella,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Although Kitty’s intentions are sincere, her mind can obsess over matters like a Gemini, stirring the pot even more.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In response to these discoveries, a two-week training program on Silk Road archaeology has been established, aimed at promoting the protection and transmission of Silk Road cultural heritage, as concluded by The Global Times.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Her Game Too says it is partnered with 80 of the 92 clubs in the English football pyramid, and a handful of clubs held dedicated fixtures promoting its campaign in the Premier League last season.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
