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 Yet snakes rarely attack humans without provocation, and many deaths can be prevented through education, protective footwear, accessible antivenom, and faster medical treatment. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 Even Schnabel’s 2007 concert film, Lou Reed’s Berlin, looks within the poet-rocker’s dire, sensory-overloaded work to find the root of artistic provocation. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026 The Connecticut rapper’s debut swings from tongue-in-cheek provocations to slam-poetry clunkers, landing a few solid punchlines and pop hooks along the way. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 So, naturally, the competition between the two states assumed fraught racial overtones, which is unfortunate but not surprising, given Democrats’ penchant for picking at sore spots and turning on each other at the slightest provocation. — Los Angeles Times, 2 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
  • After returning to full training last week and shining on his first appearance in the 2-0 victory over Como on Sunday, there was both relief and excitement at Anfield to see him finally in action.
    — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Adding to the excitement, Cody Rhodes will face Randy Orton in another high-profile contest.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • The merger threatens to push production further abroad amid an already ongoing exodus, as well as to other states with cushy tax incentives.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • When compensation is tied to conversion, the incentive structure can encourage aggressive and off-brand marketing tactics.
    — Ivan Doruda, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The third is to develop novel variations of your stimuli or your benchmark items in order to test robustness and generalization.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The country on Monday reported disappointing retail sales and industrial production growth for July, fueling hopes for more rate cuts and stimulus.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • The Relic chip, of course, is the impetus for the main storyline of Cyberpunk 2077, where V inserts the experimental tech that contains the soul, in effect, of a real person.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The only impetus for any transaction is Berg’s need to comply with league rules for his new job.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • His first words offered encouragement that it can be achieved.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Palmer himself paced the room on a phone call, doling out smiles of encouragement and inspiring a hushed reverence in his wake.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • This simply exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Mental health conditions such as depression can sap both energy and motivation, while medical issues including hypothyroidism, anemia and chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause debilitating symptoms.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • The soft frame stands independently and offers several stimulation options, including a black-and-white spinning ball and a rotating bee.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Those spaces allow guests to step away from the crowds, noise and other stimulation.
    — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocation

Nglish: Translation of provocation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about provocation

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