PROVOCATION Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən

as in excitement

something that arouses a strong response from another a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

subduing

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation

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 provocation Was that a deliberate provocation? —

Brittany Delay, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 Its commentary on political extremism, religious tribalism and the erosion of nuance is uniquely relevant, with episodes that spark conversation across ideological lines without resorting to provocation for provocation’s sake. —

Michael Schneider, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Both Hungarian and American news organizations reported that a Russian intelligence team had set up in Budapest to amplify Orbán’s social-media campaign, and perhaps to stage provocations. —

Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026 The forty-three-year gap between provocation and retaliation is a void between cause and effect into which all temporal logic vanishes. —

Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

The Grappler is generating excitement in some corners of law enforcement as officials look for new ways to deal with high-speed pursuits.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
However, that excitement soon waned as the city planner who had been assisting with the project left in September.

— Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026