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 These successes are invisible, but an adversary’s continuing provocations are not. — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026 There is a sense that the exhibition’s most significant revelation is neither synesthetic experiment nor vanguardist provocation but, merely and monumentally, Picabia himself. — Nicole Kaack, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026 This scene raises questions about violence, punishment, and provocation as means to uphold dharma. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 My comedy is often read as provocative for provocation’s sake or always in deliberate bad taste. — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

To use satire to confirm does not bring with it dramatic excitement and risks a certain smugness of point of view.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Fast-forward to Arjona’s campaign shoot, and the excitement hadn’t turned down a notch.

— Vogue, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

In fact, a natural-resource provider's economic incentive is to minimize demand.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Check whether individual and departmental incentives support the company’s broader objectives or encourage people to optimize at one another’s expense.

— Dr. Nore Salman, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.

— Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Explaining the impetus for her piece, Salcedo pointed to current conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, and Sudan, where people are being violently displaced en masse.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Many of today’s proponents are more likely to cite the threat of unprecedented fortunes to democracy than the need for redistribution as the impetus for a wealth tax.

— Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The couple shared a hug and a kiss before Lydia offered her husband some encouragement before the first start of his career.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Eidevall eventually approached Ascanio and spent several minutes speaking with her, offering words of encouragement following the disappointing loss.

— Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

While no explosive devices have yet been found following bomb threats, the motivation behind the reports remains unclear.

— Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
But Pessiglione suspects that psychological factors, such as motivations and beliefs, also play a key role.

— Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

To that end, Radytė emphasizes the importance of comfort, ease of use, and the dual-region stimulation, as well as a growing body of research in women specifically using the Samphire device.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026
Meanwhile, neurotechnology companies are bringing brain monitoring and stimulation into specialist clinics and at-home devices, hoping to make cognitive fitness as routine as going to the gym.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

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“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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