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
Mamdani’s April 14 video—posted to social media on Tax Day and filmed outside Griffin’s Central Park South penthouse—was a deliberate provocation.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Miss Manners understands the provocation.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
But the movie is meant as a provocation.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
In the end, Beard’s interpretation of the Constitution did not prevail—his evidence was not altogether persuasive—but his provocation helped usher in an era of constitutional renewal in the United States.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Miss Manners understands the provocation.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
But the movie is meant as a provocation.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
In the end, Beard’s interpretation of the Constitution did not prevail—his evidence was not altogether persuasive—but his provocation helped usher in an era of constitutional renewal in the United States.
—Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Two, people might pretend to be different characters or scenarios, which can add excitement.—
Noelle Harff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
In March 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the excitement to a grinding halt.—
Emily Holshouser
May 28,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Building more starter homes may be harder, since the financial incentives are to build more expensive homes.—
Allison Schrager,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
People also will receive help with family reunification, landlord incentives, case conferences, and finding safe parking.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Competitor Ross saw comparable sales jump a staggering 17%, beating expectations of 9%, and also attributed some of its outsize growth to extra stimulus.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
-
The Obama administration did spend $34 million from the $787 billion 2009 economic stimulus package — or less than four one-thousandths of 1% of the total package — to reconstruct the Reflecting Pool in a two-year project that wrapped up in August 2012.—
Joseph Konig,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Three cases The impetus for the legislation was a shocking case last year in Waterbury that was following by two other cases in New Britain and Enfield.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 May 2026
-
The impetus to start the brand came after losing a close friend, Kristy, to cancer at just 24 years old in 2013.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Bazarte gave El Grande Americano II encouragement from the front row.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
On it, the two trade not just verses but a series of escalating, truly incendiary guitar solos, Springsteen watching Morello intently and nodding encouragement and approval, before Morello handing the reins back to Springsteen.—
Caryn Rose,
Variety,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
Osuch said the ability to keep his future options open was his motivation.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Three days later, the insurer reversed the decision, approving deep brain stimulation for Cambrie.—
Marina Kopf,
NBC news,
27 May 2026
-
One is that your leg muscles need stimulation, so being at a standing desk doesn’t make a difference.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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