Synonyms of provocation

provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən 

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

• excitement
• stimulus
• encouragement
• stimulation
• motivation
• incentive
• incitement
• stimulant
• instigation
• incitation
• inducement
• frustration
• inspiration
• irritant
• prod
• goad
• spur
• induction
• exasperation
• headache
• nuisance
• jog
• galvanization
• enticement
• lure
• annoyance
• aggravation
• pest
• bother
• peeve
• hassle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• subduing

2

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity

ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incentive
• impetus
• encouragement
• stimulus
• motivation
• impulse
• instigation
• stimulant
• momentum
• incitement
• catalyst
• reason
• incitation
• yeast
• goad
• spur
• boost
• fuel
• consideration
• shot in the arm
• cause
• inducement
• invitation
• motive
• occasion
• spark
• antecedent
• grounds
• catalyzer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentive
• counterincentive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of provocation

Through deception, provocation, threats, and unexpected movements, a commander can compel the enemy to respond, shifting his forces and exposing vulnerabilities. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026

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