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
Relevance
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
The capacity to get mad, to rise to provocation, and to strike out against insult is not just a good thing but a goad to growth.
—
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
The probable cause statement alleges Stith punched the deputy without provocation or warning on April 25, 2021, loosening three teeth in the deputy’s jawline.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 31 May 2025
When Napoleon insists on Antonin serving a dessert in the form of a pyramid — a bald-faced invocation of the war between France and England, and a provocation to the English ambassador, who is theoretically the guest of honor — Antonin duly wheels one into the dining room.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025
The simulation was designed to create complex and hostile negotiating conditions, including U.S. provocations on nontrade issues, such as the status of Greenland and the sovereignty of Canada.
—Emily Kilcrease, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025
The probable cause statement alleges Stith punched the deputy without provocation or warning on April 25, 2021, loosening three teeth in the deputy’s jawline.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 31 May 2025
When Napoleon insists on Antonin serving a dessert in the form of a pyramid — a bald-faced invocation of the war between France and England, and a provocation to the English ambassador, who is theoretically the guest of honor — Antonin duly wheels one into the dining room.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025
The simulation was designed to create complex and hostile negotiating conditions, including U.S. provocations on nontrade issues, such as the status of Greenland and the sovereignty of Canada.
—Emily Kilcrease, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Few players stir such excitement in fans, and such inevitable dread in defenders, when standing over a dead ball.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
The stock rose more than 20% as excitement continued to build.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
While American pharmaceutical development exhibits signs of institutional sclerosis, China’s system demonstrates the power of aligned incentives, streamlined processes, and strategic coordination between regulatory bodies, research institutions, and industry players.—
Greg Licholai MD,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
This prompted the lawmaker to question why someone would want to run away from these incentives and avoid detection.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Triggered by sensory stimuli such as music, scents and foods, nostalgia has the power to mentally transport us back in time.—
Chelsea Reid,
The Conversation,
17 June 2025
-
This psychological process, as first described by Ivan Pavlov, explains how our brains learn to associate unrelated stimuli with specific emotional outcomes.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
Israel’s contention that Iran would soon be able to build a nuclear weapon was the impetus for the conflict, which began with Israel Defense Forces strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and against Iran’s military and nuclear program scientists on the night of June 12-13.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
24 June 2025
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Tyler Grill said the festival has brought nearly 100,000 people in the city, which was the impetus for starting an annual festival in Bushnell Park.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
For 16 years, the book quietly traveled in Sofia’s backpack, a secret project that blossomed into a treasure trove of encouragement and heartfelt memories.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
18 June 2025
-
Rather than targeted, cautiously executed uses, many throw generative AI at any task imaginable, with Big Tech’s encouragement.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The next step is to win it, and that’s our motivation for next season.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
The suspect’s motivation for the shootings remains unclear.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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