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 In a provocation to the Forest Service officers monitoring the blockade, the slightest nudging threatened to send the edifice crashing to the ground and Tubbs to his maiming or death. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 Thomson’s book, coming late in his career, is more successful as a provocation than as a persuasive indictment of cinema. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Nevertheless, the movie’s influence and filmmaking acumen are undeniable, and any serious horror enthusiast needs to grapple with its provocations. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 India, despite having lowered tensions with China, still faces the risk of border provocations—and other major challenges—from Beijing. — Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

In the shoe segment, running also continues to fuel excitement for the brand, which was front and center during another major sports moment this spring.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
Of course, all of this excitement is in large part thanks to Nolan’s unique brand of filmmaking.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

Cordero’s visit to Costa Rica feeds into a wider picture in Latin America, as more countries inaugurate tax breaks and incentives.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
State and local incentives from South Carolina and Greenville County account for approximately $200 million.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The next frontier of value will not be the fastest answer or the most personalized stimulus.

— Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

So that was kind of the the impetus and interest inside of Amazon.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 July 2026
The visit also gave new impetus to economic ties, with both countries agreeing to rapidly increase bilateral trade, expand cooperation in economic forums such as the World Trade Organization, and establish a financial dialogue mechanism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

For those future divorcees, Lau has some encouragement from the other side.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Disney also introduced a first-of-its-kind red carpet activation at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, where cast members and guests stopped at a life-size interactive lily pad to write messages of encouragement for children in hospitals.

— Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Cantone said in an interview with the Herald that Guarino gave her an electro-stimulation device to use on the left side of her face in the days following the initial procedure.

— Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
The new World Health Organization guidelines recommend cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, and participation in a variety of social activities for adults with both normal cognition as well as mild impairment.

— Kathleen Felton, Time, 21 July 2026

Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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