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
That’s because beneath all the fireworks and provocation, Kid Rock remains an unusually gifted ringmaster.
—
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026
But Menjívar dismisses the idea that his appointment is a deliberate provocation for the US president.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The problem nobody wanted to name Before the announcements, before Jensen’s entrance to stadium-level applause, McDermott opened Day 1 with a provocation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Georg Baselitz, an acclaimed German artist prominent in the Neo-Expressionalist movement who had a penchant for provocation and was known for painting images upside down, has died.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 10 May 2026
But Menjívar dismisses the idea that his appointment is a deliberate provocation for the US president.
—Max Saltman, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The problem nobody wanted to name Before the announcements, before Jensen’s entrance to stadium-level applause, McDermott opened Day 1 with a provocation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Georg Baselitz, an acclaimed German artist prominent in the Neo-Expressionalist movement who had a penchant for provocation and was known for painting images upside down, has died.
—ABC News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Fitzgerald said there’s no lingering disappointment following last weekend’s three losses, just excitement as his team attempts to claim the league title ahead of the postseason Big 12 tourney and NCAAs.—
Gary Bedore
May 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
-
In a second post shared the next day, Miccio continued documenting her excitement with a new series of snaps of the happy pair.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The 12-team College Football Playoff has already created incentives for easier schedules.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
-
Most companies haven’t yet adjusted its employee metrics and incentives to fit with how AI is changing work, Microsoft said in its report, which surveyed 20,000 workers using AI across 10 countries.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Higher-income households cut back more on their gas consumption four years ago than in March, while poorer households likely benefited more from government stimulus programs in 2022.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Heightened uncertainty impacts the labor market with a lag, and the fiscal stimulus from higher refunds will eventually wane, particularly as gas prices remain elevated.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The swell of political dissatisfaction with Starmer from many of his colleagues, and what appears to be his narrow escape from an immediate leadership challenge, provides the impetus for the government to revamp its legislative agenda.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
-
The project now has fresh impetus with SBS Productions and SBS International, which is repping sales at the Cannes market.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Peonies symbolize love, loyalty, and encouragement.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Sabalenka was furious, asking her team to give her some encouragement.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
But much of the talk centered on health and motivation.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
Others contain hidden structures of motivation.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The solution, therefore, is to reduce stimulation to allow dopamine levels to recover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Beyond movement, the system uniquely uses sensory stimulation to reconnect Patterson with his physical self, aiming to restore the sensation of touch in his hands for the first time in 10 years.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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