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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of provocation
White listeners and white supremacy are always ripe for a dressing down, but there’s no teeth or edge to his provocations anymore.
—
Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Expect the best rush ever, and expect the best excitement ever.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
-
Though all eyes will be on North America, the national pride this event inspires – and the staggered start times that will allow fans watching back in their home countries to take in their teams during sort-of-normal hours – will stir incredible excitement and patriotism all around the world.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Financial incentives offered by the conservation district, in conjunction with federal programs, have enticed farmers in the South Fork of the Republican River near Burlington to end irrigation on an additional 20,000 acres.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
-
As firms scale, governance, incentives, and legacy practices shift focus from customer value and human flourishing.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The nation’s collective card balance actually declined through much of 2020 and 2021, as consumers rode out the COVID-19 pandemic and cashed federal stimulus checks.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
-
Prabowo has pushed for heavier stimulus and lower interest rates.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
11 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
-
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
-
Several students said Gilliam's encouragement made a lasting impression during the two-week camp.—
Alexa Liacko,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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Even so, reports suggest that Lopez leaving the door open is all the encouragement Rodriguez needs.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Walken brings his signature idiosyncratic charm to his portrayal of Frank, whose motivations make for a fascinating web of contradictions.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
-
While others close to the president see personal motivations at work, the White House is leaning into the diplomatic benefit.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Regardless of age, a poor response to ovarian stimulation—for example, a low estrogen level or a low number of follicles developing—indicates that the treatment is not going well, Klipstein says.—
Heather Grossmann,
Parents,
16 June 2026
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The mental stimulation, not unlike jigsawing a puzzle or inking a crossword.—
Ashley Parker,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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