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
But, from the moment that he was sworn in, his fantasies and provocations became American foreign policy.
—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Consumers can forgive almost anything—controversy, scandal, provocation, even cultural insensitivity—if the party and the product is good enough.
—
Serena Turner,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
One of Lino Brocka’s lasting successes, 1988’s ‘Macho Dancer’ combines a flair for socially conscious melodrama with pulp provocation, setting the template for what would become Viva Films’ erotic niche to this day.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 June 2026
White listeners and white supremacy are always ripe for a dressing down, but there’s no teeth or edge to his provocations anymore.
—
Dylan Green,
Pitchfork,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Consumers can forgive almost anything—controversy, scandal, provocation, even cultural insensitivity—if the party and the product is good enough.
—
Serena Turner,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
One of Lino Brocka’s lasting successes, 1988’s ‘Macho Dancer’ combines a flair for socially conscious melodrama with pulp provocation, setting the template for what would become Viva Films’ erotic niche to this day.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 June 2026
White listeners and white supremacy are always ripe for a dressing down, but there’s no teeth or edge to his provocations anymore.
—
Dylan Green,
Pitchfork,
29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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The three previous World Cup matches in Arlington have brought the excitement, as fans have left with memorable moments from each contest.
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The latest excitement at the nest was the birth of Sandy and Luna, and their rapid growth after hatching nearly two months ago.
Noun
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And given that such systems are physically possible, powerful economic and strategic incentives exist for technologists and entrepreneurs to build them.
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The money is an incentive granted by the city after working more than 20 years to attract a builder with a project appropriate for the property, which was cleared decades earlier for redevelopment.
Noun
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China also engineered a massive government stimulus package to stabilize its economy.
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Central banks thought that forward guidance, particularly when interest rates were very low, could provide additional market stimulus.
Noun
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The analysts said recent talks between Japan and the Philippines over overlapping claims in their exclusive economic zones east of Taiwan may have been the impetus for the MSA mission east of Tawain.
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The impetus behind launching its agentic commerce platform lies in the changes in how consumers shop.
Noun
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To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love.
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Moreover, what moves women forward is action rather than encouragement.
Noun
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Research from Hilton found that 56% of global travelers cite rest and recharge as their number one motivation for leisure travel in 2026.
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Gendreau says other common signs of deficiency include muscle weakness, low motivation, and low energy.
Noun
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Where Cancer bonds through emotional closeness and consistency, Aquarius needs independence, intellectual stimulation and plenty of room to move freely.
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The platforms behind it deliver a quick hit of stimulation.
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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