provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce provocation (audio)
Definition of provocationnext
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

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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

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 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded with unusual restraint to Trump’s provocations and has resisted demands to pull away from Washington. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Nobody’s taken the bait regarding White and Freedom’s trollish provocations. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 The man who punched a woman walking on a sidewalk without provocation in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood last week has been jailed and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, court documents show. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2026 This is the laziest kind of provocation, and The Shards can’t even manage to really go there. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
  1. excitement
  2. incentive
  3. stimulus
  4. impetus
  5. encouragement
  6. motivation
  7. stimulation
Noun
  • The excitement kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch Wednesday night between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Mitch frantically tuned in on his iPad and tried to contain his excitement as his brother had an outstanding debut, nearly leading the Chargers to victory.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • In July, California’s Public Utilities Commission approved new incentives of up to $20,300 for ride-hailing app drivers to buy or lease new zero-emission vehicles, and often now, ride hailers can choose to be picked up by an EV on the apps.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Lucrative contracts in the French league, lack of incentive to travel overseas and strict rules from the French Federation meant a local product grew but never went global.
    — Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • But the original impetus concerned women not having to get their Manolo Blahniks stuck in the mud.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Jets have no impetus to rush a trade — and Jets fans are well-versed in Cheveldayoff’s stubborn patience from Jacob Trouba’s 2016 contract holdout and trades involving Evander Kane, Trouba, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • De Zerbi will take encouragement from Savio’s bright debut, with the £85million recruit from Manchester City looking bright and threatening, without executing on the final action.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The YouTube videos, Griffin said, were causing third-party contact because of Myers’ encouragement.
    — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Capitalism — and a strong profit motivation — has driven enterprise for centuries.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Mahomes has had special motivation in coming back following surgery after suffering two torn ligaments in his left knee during a game.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Mazama Energy’s demonstrated superhot rock platform optimizes well construction, drilling, and stimulation to boost power capacity while minimizing water use, land footprint, and well counts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Vagal tone stimulation activates the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and lower stress hormones.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulation

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provocateurs
provocation
provocations
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Cite this Entry

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about provocation

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