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 Now, Romain Gavras is back with Sacrifice, a visually dazzling comic-dramatic provocation about a fancy environmental-charity gala in Greece that’s invaded by a group of wild-eyed eco-activists. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 He is accused of hitting a man without provocation in Miami Gardens in April, according to court records. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Israel alleges officers entered her pasture without permission and shot HeeHaw without provocation. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 The collection’s attempt at provocation was perhaps best illustrated by a top with underboob exposure that seemed intended to signal a rebellious edge but came across as little more than an ill-fitting garment in search of a point of view. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

On top of that, excitement around the company's iPhone Duo launch was palpable.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
And there’s the anxiety, maybe even excitement, of rebuilding.

— Grey Battle, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Some may question whether these procedures are used too often, whether the evidence supporting them is strong enough, or whether financial incentives influence their use.

— Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Mid-month, an interesting and rare triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node constellates in Leo, pumping you up with confidence and motivation to go all the way for the gold.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of motivation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of provocation

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on provocation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wraith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes