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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of provocation
Yii-Jan Lin, a professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School and author of the book Immigration and Apocalypse, views the video as a calculated provocation.
—
Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Before Judge Rivanda Doss Beal for a Saturday detention hearing, prosecutors detailed how the victim sat on the trunk of his vehicle chatting with friends when Carroll and two others approached the group and opened fire without any apparent provocation or words exchanged.
—William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations.
—Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
Mamdani’s April 14 video—posted to social media on Tax Day and filmed outside Griffin’s Central Park South penthouse—was a deliberate provocation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Before Judge Rivanda Doss Beal for a Saturday detention hearing, prosecutors detailed how the victim sat on the trunk of his vehicle chatting with friends when Carroll and two others approached the group and opened fire without any apparent provocation or words exchanged.
—William Lee, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations.
—Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
Mamdani’s April 14 video—posted to social media on Tax Day and filmed outside Griffin’s Central Park South penthouse—was a deliberate provocation.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Expect the best rush ever, and expect the best excitement ever.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
-
Though all eyes will be on North America, the national pride this event inspires – and the staggered start times that will allow fans watching back in their home countries to take in their teams during sort-of-normal hours – will stir incredible excitement and patriotism all around the world.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The best cornerback in the NFL, Patrick Surtain II, is on a four-year, $96 million contract but just earned a $5 million pay raise in 2026 with $5 million more in incentives tacked onto the 2027 season.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
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Under the executive order, all tax incentives approved before July will continue.—
Jack O'Connor,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
The cerebral circuitry of the human brain—specifically the salience network, which is responsible for filtering stimuli—seems to be more active in individuals with misophonia.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
The ability to disconnect intentionally from these overwhelming stimuli—to reclaim one’s focus, clarity, and feeling of immediacy—has become rare and precious.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The beloved 35-year-old Florida Ficus at the entrance is the impetus for the iconic logo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The impetus of Vanity Fair’s meeting with Nézet-Séguin was the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, a recent work from US composer Gabriela Lena Frank (in her Met debut).—
Eve Batey,
Vanity Fair,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Benjamin Cano, who brought his wife and three kids down from Norwalk for Friday’s game, was down behind the Padres dugout offering encouragement before the game.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
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Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
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Osuch said the ability to keep his future options open was his motivation.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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During sessions, an external power and communication module sat over the implant in a soft cloth collar, controlling stimulation triggering and wirelessly powering the device.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 June 2026
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Comparing the stimulation of the economy to the affects of the Super Bowl, Cepero said a large benefit to the economy is expected.—
Ava DiCecca,
Sun Sentinel,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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