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
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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.
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Recent Examples of provoking
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
6 May 2026
Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
The death of a White student who was handcuffed by police after he had been stabbed is provoking a national outcry in Britain, with officers under fire for their conduct and far-right leaders accused of using the teen’s murder to stoke racist violence for political gain.
—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
Ambitious, thought-provoking, thrilling and passionate.
—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
6 May 2026
Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Ciara and Interracial Dating in the Bravosphere The most thought-provoking moment of the episode concerned the online minefield that is interracial dating in the Bravosphere, a network that features predominantly white casts.
—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
The death of a White student who was handcuffed by police after he had been stabbed is provoking a national outcry in Britain, with officers under fire for their conduct and far-right leaders accused of using the teen’s murder to stoke racist violence for political gain.
—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
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Digital platforms further amplify provocative behavior, potentially normalizing hate.
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That can desensitize us to actions that in another context would be seen as deeply provocative.
Verb
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The new searchable databases work against those calls, encouraging Germans to look more closely at their own families’ association with Nazism and prompting fresh reflections on how ordinary citizens came to normalize extremism.
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Passionate Mars in your 11th House of Friends sextiles Jupiter in your 1st House of Identity, encouraging brave outreach that feels warm and realistic.
Verb
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The way the loss came about should be raising alarm bells inside the US camp.
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Forming partnerships with like-minded organizations is critical to raising brand awareness, accessing new markets and multiplying impact.
Adjective
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.
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It is made all the more charged, though, because of what this team means in a cultural one.
Verb
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Red light is mitochondrially stimulating, so late-night use can disrupt sleep.
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Performance benefits often persist even in habitual users, even if the stimulating feel-good buzz fades.
Verb
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Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s central and coastal regions on Wednesday just 39 seconds apart, triggering scenes of panic in Caracas and other cities as preliminary reports of structural damage and injuries began to emerge.
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Powell said China has such operations lined up and planned well in advance and waits for such triggering events.
Verb
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Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Simmer beans, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Verb
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While promoting Cape Fear on the SmartLess podcast, Adams told the story of saving a man’s life in Santa Monica.
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Grail is promoting the idea that the Galleri test should be used in conjunction with other screening tests, not as a replacement to any done now.
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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