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 Unlike other Republican lawmakers, Lombardo has also shied away from the provocations and flamboyant pugilism of the MAGA movement. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 For much of the last century, that rule has held, and the presence of either in daylight has broadly been read as a mistake or a provocation. — Laurence Goldberg, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Under Ben-Gvir, Israeli police have increasingly allowed Jews to pray at the site, a deliberate provocation to the Arab world, drawing condemnation from Palestinian and Jordanian authorities. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 In 1971, Ken Russell’s name was synonymous with controversy, and for years the missing scene was presumed to be an act of gratuitous provocation. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation

Noun

On top of that, excitement around the company's iPhone Duo launch was palpable.

— Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
And there’s the anxiety, maybe even excitement, of rebuilding.

— Grey Battle, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excitement

Noun

The departures concentrated in September 2025, when the administration's incentive programs for resignation and early retirement took effect.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Congress should pass legislation that ensures predictable payments that reflect fair market rates and removes incentives to exploit arbitration while preserving strong protections against surprise bills.

— Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

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
Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Mid-month, an interesting and rare triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node constellates in Leo, pumping you up with confidence and motivation to go all the way for the gold.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of motivation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs

provocation

provocations

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Style

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocation

noun

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