PROVOCATION Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən

Definition of provocation

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 France’s challenges came from external provocation, first the petulance of the Paraguayan team, but then comments widely condemned as racist by a Paraguayan politician. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 16 July 2026 The disdain goes back decades and, as some Argentina fans evidently proved Tuesday, rowdiness does not require international provocation. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 The event didn’t come together, but his provocations got a lot of attention. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 In a provocation to the Forest Service officers monitoring the blockade, the slightest nudging threatened to send the edifice crashing to the ground and Tubbs to his maiming or death. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

There has been no shortage of excitement surrounding Bank of America Stadium the past several days — and that enthusiasm will continue through the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night.

— Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
It’s been so cool to see all of the audience reception and theories and the excitement that people have for the character in the show is beyond me.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 27 July 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

Their movements are tracked, conversations are restricted, decisions are tightly controlled, and accomplishments are rewarded with superficial incentives.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Some lawmakers are calling for the incentive to be scaled back or eliminated altogether.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

And Obama was being seen at the time as being completely irresponsible in pursuing stimulus.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
The services economy, more efficient technology, work-from-home policies and strong fiscal stimulus from tax decreases have enabled us to weather short-term oil spikes.

— Dryden Pence, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

The impetus for restructuring Part D was the lack of a cap on patient out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
The missing piece Hellerstein had been working on putting together the museum’s Ebbets Field room for about seven years, but Judy’s death was the impetus for completing the project.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Al Ahli, who are set to lose their manager Matthias Jaissle to Newcastle United, had shortlisted Slot as a potential replacement, but are unlikely to receive any encouragement.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026
But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

In fact, this is where our motivations become personal and perhaps even slightly irritating, especially if repressed emotions or sensitivities rise to the surface.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
These cultures stem from varied motivations, including wellness, entrepreneurship, and historical advocacy, rather than a monolithic consumer identity.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Sustainable performance is built by protecting attention, strengthening human connection and creating space for reflection, learning and purpose—not by constant digital stimulation.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Tim Stockwell, who headed the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research from 2004 to 2020, said adding the stimulation of energy drinks to the impaired judgment caused by alcohol is a recipe for risky behavior.

— Ashley Okwuosa, STAT, 30 July 2026

Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

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“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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