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 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 Cromer confirmed the fight in her own post on X, but claimed that she was assaulted without provocation. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 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

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
The stutter, in this case, provides a sudden stimulus that triggers the ’keeper to commit to going in a certain direction early, which can then be exploited with a shot sent the other way.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
The impetus for baseball to seize control of in-market games was accelerated by the demise of the Main Street Sports RSNs, which marooned nine MLB clubs.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Still, even with that encouragement, the thought of starting over again with someone new has been an emotional adjustment.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Providers recognize this transition has its ups and downs for their patients and offer some words of encouragement.

— Isabel Lopez, Parents, 14 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

But over the past few decades, new technology has enabled more constant stimulation, and the new economics of sports management have encouraged it.

— Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Those neural messages are then translated into electrical stimulation patterns given to the forearm muscles, which move as intended.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

Example Sentences

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