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
-
All of the candidates have made boosting film and TV production in the city a priority, even if the real impact likely comes from production incentives at the state or federal level.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
24 May 2026
-
Internally, the data may be rich, but it is still bounded by the company’s own assumptions, incentives, and experiences.—
Henrik Totterman,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Increasing the money supply is classically viewed as an economic stimulus.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
-
Notice in March '22 the inflationary spike in reaction to the unprecedented fiscal and monetary policy stimulus following the global pandemic.—
Todd Gordon,
CNBC,
19 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
-
The punk rocker, 70, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 AMAs in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25 and gave a sweet speech offering encouragement to any kid interested in music.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
-
Fiebig banged their stick against the goal post at one point, frustrated, but continued to shout instruction and encouragement.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 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 31 May. 2026.
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