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 Even Schnabel’s 2007 concert film, Lou Reed’s Berlin, looks within the poet-rocker’s dire, sensory-overloaded work to find the root of artistic provocation. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026 The Connecticut rapper’s debut swings from tongue-in-cheek provocations to slam-poetry clunkers, landing a few solid punchlines and pop hooks along the way. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 So, naturally, the competition between the two states assumed fraught racial overtones, which is unfortunate but not surprising, given Democrats’ penchant for picking at sore spots and turning on each other at the slightest provocation. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 According to the document, Monasterio began hitting the dog without provocation, then struck the victim with a closed fist, and again grabbed her by the neck with both hands, strangling her and impeding her breathing for a second time. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

After returning to full training last week and shining on his first appearance in the 2-0 victory over Como on Sunday, there was both relief and excitement at Anfield to see him finally in action.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Adding to the excitement, Cody Rhodes will face Randy Orton in another high-profile contest.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

There has been no confirmation from SpaceX or Louisiana officials … But earlier this year the Louisiana Legislature passed a package of incentives for aerospace companies, including liability protections and property tax breaks.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
Marketers need to treat the student as the primary decision-maker, using tangible incentives, student-friendly pricing, and direct campus engagement to lower the risk of trying a new product and justify its value well past move-in day.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Instead, Beijing rolled out a roughly $586 billion stimulus—equivalent to around 12 percent of China’s GDP in 2008—funneled almost entirely into infrastructure and construction.

— Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
The gloves must be applied directly to someone's skin to deliver a pain stimulus that typically helps an officer gain compliance within seconds, according to the company.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

But for the iconoclastic Coppola, a desire to work with an up-and-coming actor, who his friends Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese had discovered and was not yet a star, became the other key impetus to make the film.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Despite Villa reaching their zenith under Emery in May, there was a growing argument to undergo a stable transitional phase, providing youthful impetus and appearing proactive, rather than reactive, in lowering the age of the squad.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Wise leaders create cultures that arm employees with the capacity, authority, and encouragement to deliver customer experiences with a surprise.

— Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
As the only manager to steer four different clubs to promotion from the second tier of English football, Neil Warnock has words of encouragement for all those looking to follow in his footsteps during the coming season.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Matthew Temple said her performance (as well as countryman Sam Short’s in the men’s 400) served as motivation heading into his 100 butterfly win.

— Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Jordan Patrick Haase, 40, was convicted of second-degree murder, but acquitted of the gang-motivation allegation.

— Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Egg freezing costs can hit $47,000 A single egg freezing cycle, including hormone stimulation and the retrieval procedure, costs around $16,000, on average, according to FertilityIQ, a fertility data and education platform.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
Whether that category expands beyond vitamin D stimulation will be determined by larger independent trials and real-world outcomes.

— Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

Example Sentences

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