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 Casting Johnson was, by Gyllenhaal’s own admission, a provocation. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Brands today need nuance to be titillating—nudity and provocation are too available. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 Putin was equally dismissive of a claim by Germany that Russia was responsible for a recent drone attack at Leipzig airport, suggesting Berlin had planted evidence in a deliberate provocation. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 The museum defines an unprovoked attack as when a shark bites a human in its own habitat without any provocation by the human. — Heather McCarron, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

Amiri finally found an apartment with an elevator big enough for his three kids, but is experiencing the downside of the excitement surrounding Celine Dion’s return to the stage with a residency at Paris La Défense Arena.

— Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
The reaction was overwhelmingly positive after feeling prioritized by management, which was followed by the excitement of seeing a press release go live and be picked up by the media.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

Through the partnership, Oceanfront will produce and finance productions while Allegro provides financing solutions for potential production collateral (like tax incentives, rebates and pre-sales).

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
On Tuesday night, leaders in the Colorado city approved a 30-year tax incentive to bring the major sporting goods retailer to the community.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Analysts, however, expect that Beijing is unlikely to ramp up stimulus meaningfully as long as export growth remains strong enough to power the economy to land within the target range.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
China reported downbeat consumption and investment figures, bolstering economists’ calls for fiscal stimulus to drive growth in the world’s second-biggest economy.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
The Lighthouse’s headquarters hadn’t been upgraded since the 1980s, Allen said, so the collapse provided the impetus to bring the facility into the 21st century.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Someone could offer knowledge, encouragement, or an introduction that makes an idea feel less imaginary.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Sorkin and Fincher have remained close, and Sorkin has continued to rely on Fincher’s insight and encouragement.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

People can direct them by sending electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted near their antennae.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Other treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and for a small number of cases a surgical therapy called deep brain stimulation.

— Michael Okun, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

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Style

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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