1
as in excitements
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in incentives
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocations
Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations.
—
Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
There are custom motorcycles, and then there are mechanical provocations—the kind that challenge not only the limits of engineering, but the very definition of what a motorcycle can be.
—Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026
But each co-sign now lands differently, refracted through the unresolved fallout of his antisemitic remarks and provocations.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Moreover, currently sitting at 85 percent on the Tomatometer, reviews for The Drama have been generally good with some critics praising director Kristoffer Borgli’s audacity and the movie’s deliberate provocations as a means of addressing the messy current cultural moment.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026
Diplomatically, Ankara is likely to continue engaging Tehran in an effort to prevent further incidents, especially those that could be interpreted as deliberate provocations.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Cheng was elected as party chairwoman late last year following a campaign that emphasized the need to temper the island’s provocations against the Communist regime.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
What’s playing on that magical cranial monitor, however, is one half of the shadow self that lurks behind all of Yes‘ provocations.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
The relative said the good-natured victim brushed off Manessis’ past provocations.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
There are custom motorcycles, and then there are mechanical provocations—the kind that challenge not only the limits of engineering, but the very definition of what a motorcycle can be.
—Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026
But each co-sign now lands differently, refracted through the unresolved fallout of his antisemitic remarks and provocations.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Moreover, currently sitting at 85 percent on the Tomatometer, reviews for The Drama have been generally good with some critics praising director Kristoffer Borgli’s audacity and the movie’s deliberate provocations as a means of addressing the messy current cultural moment.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026
Diplomatically, Ankara is likely to continue engaging Tehran in an effort to prevent further incidents, especially those that could be interpreted as deliberate provocations.
—Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Cheng was elected as party chairwoman late last year following a campaign that emphasized the need to temper the island’s provocations against the Communist regime.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
What’s playing on that magical cranial monitor, however, is one half of the shadow self that lurks behind all of Yes‘ provocations.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
The relative said the good-natured victim brushed off Manessis’ past provocations.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocations
Noun
-
Economic incentives help explain why.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
Dubai’s residential property prices surged by roughly 60% between 2022 and early 2025–a historic boom fueled by tax-free incentives, liberalized visa policies, and a heavy influx of high-net-worth individuals.—
Melissa Hancock,
Fortune,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Laurie and Alamo’s motivations have always been crystal clear in comparison to everyone else’s.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
1 June 2026
-
Everyone’s motivations are different, and that’s how timelines can get sped up.—
Antonio Morales,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocations. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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