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
Yii-Jan Lin, a professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School and author of the book Immigration and Apocalypse, views the video as a calculated provocation.
—
Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Before Judge Rivanda Doss Beal for a Saturday detention hearing, prosecutors detailed how the victim sat on the trunk of his vehicle chatting with friends when Carroll and two others approached the group and opened fire without any apparent provocation or words exchanged.
—William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations.
—Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Before Judge Rivanda Doss Beal for a Saturday detention hearing, prosecutors detailed how the victim sat on the trunk of his vehicle chatting with friends when Carroll and two others approached the group and opened fire without any apparent provocation or words exchanged.
—William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations.
—Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Pixar's social media accounts began leaning into the excitement over the next few days.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
Each year or so, a fresh occasion arises to gather in excitement about the Beatles.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The best cornerback in the NFL, Patrick Surtain II, is on a four-year, $96 million contract but just earned a $5 million pay raise in 2026 with $5 million more in incentives tacked onto the 2027 season.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
-
Under the executive order, all tax incentives approved before July will continue.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The cerebral circuitry of the human brain—specifically the salience network, which is responsible for filtering stimuli—seems to be more active in individuals with misophonia.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
The ability to disconnect intentionally from these overwhelming stimuli—to reclaim one’s focus, clarity, and feeling of immediacy—has become rare and precious.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The beloved 35-year-old Florida Ficus at the entrance is the impetus for the iconic logo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The impetus of Vanity Fair’s meeting with Nézet-Séguin was the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, a recent work from US composer Gabriela Lena Frank (in her Met debut).—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Benjamin Cano, who brought his wife and three kids down from Norwalk for Friday’s game, was down behind the Padres dugout offering encouragement before the game.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
6 June 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
-
How the Pulsetto Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device Works Pulsetto is a wearable that delivers non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation through a band placed at the neck.—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
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This is one of the most common questions in Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulation device product info and reviews from prospective buyers.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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