provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce provocation (audio)
Definition of provocationnext
1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations

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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

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 An unprovoked shark attack is defined by ISAF as when a shark bites a human in its own habitat without any provocation by the human. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Cromer confirmed the fight in her own post on X, but claimed that she was assaulted without provocation. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 The Dangerous Kind of Success Wernicke opens with a provocation that reframes the whole conversation around data failure. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Latvian intelligence is warning that Russia is preparing possible provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, including drones or any other hybrid attacks, in an effort to pressure NATO countries to stop supporting Ukraine. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
  1. excitement
  2. incentive
  3. stimulus
  4. impetus
  5. encouragement
  6. motivation
  7. stimulation
Noun
  • Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • At a time when demand for new electric vehicles is cooling and cars are getting harder to afford, EV company Slate Auto has made a customizable truck that could bring a fresh wave of excitement to the industry.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • While the threshold sparked debate, the decree offers financial incentives for parties to merge by discounting registration fees for coalitions and alliances.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Administered by Proimágenes Colombia, Colombia’s CINA incentive (Audiovisual Investment Certificate) grants a transferable tax credit equal to 35% of eligible spending on audiovisual services in Colombia.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The export and manufacturing-led economic resilience is expected to reinforce Beijing’s reluctance to roll out stimulus to revive tepid consumer demand.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2026
  • In Vibe Science studies, the autonomic nervous system shifts toward parasympathetic activation as the brain entrains to the stimulus, producing lower arousal and readiness for sleep and recovery.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • The impetus for the announcement was the ICE shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas last week.
    — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • Reserves acted to dampen price pressure at the start of the war; now the impetus to refill them as the cold months approach could act to accelerate price pressure.
    — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • As for the here and now, England will take encouragement from Switzerland’s performance against Argentina.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • That encouragement from Orlando’s new coaching staff under Sean Sweeney has translated to hard work on the court from Penda.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Despite the injuries, Etxanobe said his motivation for participating is rooted in his connection to family heritage rather than adrenaline.
    — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
  • Kothari’s motivation for the app comes from a desire to address multiple issues at once.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Research suggests low-frequency vibroacoustic stimulation can reduce stress markers, ease pain and shift the nervous system into a more relaxed state.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • Examples include electrical stimulation to calm the nervous system, insulin delivered in response to rising glucose and light therapy to shift circadian rhythms.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs
provocation
provocations
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Cite this Entry

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocation

Nglish: Translation of provocation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about provocation

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