1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
Red wasps, especially the Carolina paper wasp, are known to be more aggressive than typical paper wasps and can sting with little provocation.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
With treaty on ice, China steps in That latest provocation threatening the treaty was a terrorist attack in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025.
—Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 16 July 2025
But any provocation or disruption could set off a severe downturn.
—New York Times, 11 July 2025
Some of the world recognizes this territory as Moroccan now, but there is still a war there, and the Polisario Front broke the ceasefire in 2020 after Moroccan provocation.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
With treaty on ice, China steps in That latest provocation threatening the treaty was a terrorist attack in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025.
—Pintu Kumar Mahla, The Conversation, 16 July 2025
But any provocation or disruption could set off a severe downturn.
—New York Times, 11 July 2025
Some of the world recognizes this territory as Moroccan now, but there is still a war there, and the Polisario Front broke the ceasefire in 2020 after Moroccan provocation.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
This journey has been so special full of peace, excitement, and so much grace.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and trepidation across the board, with most fans being cautiously optimistic about the shakeup.—
Dana Reboe,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The result is a misaligned affordability signal that dulls incentives to adapt and crowds out private innovation.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Globalization could be blamed for introducing competition from other countries with lower labor costs, putting downward pressure on manufacturing wages in the United States and creating incentives to move production abroad.—
Michael B. G. Froman,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Will stimulus checks be sent as part of Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill?' No.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
-
What seems clear is that by some genetic predisposition that remains invisible to us, the neural latticework designed to interpret, modulate, and respond to stimuli is prone to going haywire in some people, causing a cascade of changes that very often results in head pain.—
Tom Zeller Jr.
July 30,
Literary Hub,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement In New York, part of the impetus for this bail reform was the story of Kalief Browder, a young man in the Bronx who was arrested at age 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
12 Aug. 2025
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When decisions are made by any medical organization with financial interests, the primary impetus of the Oath is lost; the AMA’s control over payment schedules reinforces and exemplifies a corrupt institutional flaw.—
David Marks,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Ideas are met with encouragement, ambition is recognized rather than questioned, and growth feels limitless.—
Rachelle Rutherford,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Both documents were filed under seal, so not released to the public, and followed encouragement from the judge presiding over the case to investigate likely violations of the court’s gag order.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Over the decades his methods and motivations have been the subject of intense scrutiny and not a little criticism.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
-
San Diego State coach Sean Lewis brings in speakers from time to time who can provide motivation, education and inspiration to the football team.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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