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 So, is wearing a hood in the presence of the Pope a provocation? — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026 Martin McDonagh’s latest comic provocation takes place on Easter Island and in 1970s Chile, where a ferociously funny John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell aim to upend the rule of law. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 Kaepora Gaebora, the talking owl who guides your path, won't repeat himself at the slightest provocation. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026 This scene raises questions about violence, punishment, and provocation as means to uphold dharma. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

To use satire to confirm does not bring with it dramatic excitement and risks a certain smugness of point of view.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Fast-forward to Arjona’s campaign shoot, and the excitement hadn’t turned down a notch.

— Vogue, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

But supporters had already released their own studies emphasizing that the incentives will bring back much more in economic activity to states.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2026
Sherborne Media is providing a credit facility against the production’s rebates and incentives.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Usefulness is key for the program, but so is providing stimuli.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.

— Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Explaining the impetus for her piece, Salcedo pointed to current conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Sudan, where people are being violently displaced en masse.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Many of today’s proponents are more likely to cite the threat of unprecedented fortunes to democracy than the need for redistribution as the impetus for a wealth tax.

— Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The couple shared a hug and a kiss before Lydia offered her husband some encouragement before the first start of his career.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Eidevall eventually approached Ascanio and spent several minutes speaking with her, offering words of encouragement following the disappointing loss.

— Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

When an agent cannot confidently call a cold prospect, establish rapport, ask intelligent questions, uncover motivation, handle resistance and move the conversation toward an appointment, the size of the database becomes almost irrelevant.

— Ran Biderman, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Regardless of the motivations though, Whittingham's right that the Ducks have significant advantages over other teams.

— Ian Miller, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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