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
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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
Ziering allegedly exited his vehicle without provocation and forcefully shoved Hernandez twice, knocking him into a female friend and onto the pavement.
—
Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation.
—Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Murthy said for many users, social media has become an endless scroll of performance, provocation and unattainably perfect body types.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and a blatant provocation.
—Reuters, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The disjunction between the abstract composition and the notion of self-portraiture appeared perplexing in its own right; its inoperability only exacerbated the viewer’s frustration and redoubled the artist’s impish provocation.
—Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Murthy said for many users, social media has become an endless scroll of performance, provocation and unattainably perfect body types.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and a blatant provocation.
—Reuters, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
While the series concluded with its second season in May, Luna opened up to PEOPLE ahead of the 2022 premiere about the excitement of being a part of the Star Wars universe.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Pickleball enthusiasts expressed excitement that indoor courts would be opening but opponents worried other community events that were once held at the site would be forced out like arts and crafts show, roller derby, the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
-
There’s the stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the prospect of lower interest rates from a more dovish incoming Federal Reserve chair, and the benefits from artificial intelligence accruing to the real economy — major pillars maintaining a bullish outlook .—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Similar moves in other antitrust actions, including the recent settlements in American college sports, have proven pivotal, with an initial settlement with one party providing the impetus for other parties to settle as well.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Their impetus was to subvert the expectations of stories involving characters from their community.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Her brother shaved his head alongside her, while friends organized care packages, drove her to sessions and offered constant encouragement.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The chatbot repeatedly offered Nelson doting messages and constant encouragement, Turner-Scott claimed.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Duffy denied any political motivation.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
His content, often featuring humorous music about food was intended as motivation for Lomax’s own health journey.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That’s important because neurons remember past stimulation, and pain sensitivity depends on history.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
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Good morning, everyone, the middle of the week has arrived and this calls for a celebratory cup or two of stimulation.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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