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
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Recent Examples of provocation
DishBrain was a scientific provocation.
—
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
For studios, Cabana’s message is part provocation and part market signal.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Primary role is to protect the public from foreign interference and provocation.
—Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Here there’s no warning, no provocation.
—Geraldo Cadava, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
For studios, Cabana’s message is part provocation and part market signal.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Primary role is to protect the public from foreign interference and provocation.
—Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Here there’s no warning, no provocation.
—Geraldo Cadava, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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Regardless of where the fan base fell in its opinion of Billups, there has been a palpable excitement for this season.—
Jason Quick,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Halloween is just around the corner, and excitement is building across the state.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But Mehta said showing consumers a higher quantity of ads and incentives doesn’t mean as much as connecting with the consumer in a meaningful way.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County combined are offering the company about $80,000 in tax incentives.—
Brian Gordon,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Our amygdala is overactive, our nervous systems are fried and our dopamine cycles are hijacked by short-term stimuli.—
Chris Schembra,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
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These hybrid materials can reversibly change shape when exposed to different stimuli, thanks to the predictable nature of DNA pairing and the stability provided by inorganic components such as gold or graphene oxide.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Stamford and Columbia University have committed to research using The Pippins as the impetus, according to Chris Norton.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
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Part of the impetus for all these openings is the same reason Las Vegas is so primed for these restaurants in the first place.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Many social media users responded with their personal experiences and words of encouragement for Leila.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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There were other signs of encouragement, like Diouf and Crysencio Summerville’s left-wing partnership, plus Freddie Potts’ solid cameo appearance.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The motivation appears to be part national defense (deterring China) and part branding exercise.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Oct. 2025
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The players’ motivation in this match is different.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
If medications aren't effective, other options may include Botox injections into the bladder wall or nerve stimulation therapy.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
25 Oct. 2025
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While outdoor time can offer stimulation and exercise, unsupervised access poses serious risks that significantly reduce their life span.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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