Synonym Chooser

How is the word provoke different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of provoke are exasperate, irritate, nettle, peeve, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

In what contexts can exasperate take the place of provoke?

The synonyms exasperate and provoke are sometimes interchangeable, but exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When could irritate be used to replace provoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to provoke, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When is it sensible to use nettle instead of provoke?

The meanings of nettle and provoke largely overlap; however, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When might peeve be a better fit than provoke?

The words peeve and provoke can be used in similar contexts, but peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When is rile a more appropriate choice than provoke?

Although the words rile and provoke have much in common, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

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 provoke Cheesy frights rely on cartoonish CGI and spewing blood to provoke imagery that’s memorable for the wrong reasons. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025 The culling of federal agencies has provoked stern warnings from nonprofit groups and other organizations that work to protect public lands and the agencies that manage them. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 20 Oct. 2025 However, model studies predicted that strengthening westerly winds, provoked by climate change, would cause this CO₂-dense water to finally break to the surface. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 Vought’s actions could provoke a challenge to the Impoundment Control Act in the Supreme Court. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.
    Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For the event, which raises money for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Gomez exuded old Hollywood elegance in a glamorous black gown featuring sparkly embellishments.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Sanders backed Platner’s campaign, and the senatorial hopeful has raised millions of dollars for his campaign.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This powerhouse ingredient, beloved by dermatologists and editors alike, is known for its ability to speed cell turnover and, in doing so, stimulate collagen production to smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Those numbers will likely stimulate even further investment in circular offerings in the sector.
    Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, a New York judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Nicklaus Companies against Nicklaus that attempted to prevent the golfer from using his name, image and likeness to promote his golf course design business.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • After decades of ignoring advances in data and analytics and mainly promoting from within, the Rockies seem intent on hiring an outsider to be their new head of baseball operations, after dismissing general manager Bill Schmidt at the start of October.
    Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Rose Glass' directorial debut is an ecclesiastical horror that offsets the fine line between devotion and delusion, all while stirring the painful emotions of loneliness and trauma.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The proteins casein and whey in dairy products may trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.
    Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Homes were left without electricity, and the rains are triggering flooding and landslides along highways and roads.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mike Evans could return, and the Johnsons (Kameron and Tez) pack arousing upside, but Otton is likely to earn the biggest target spike.
    Brad Evans, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For various reasons—his kids are off from school during the robbery; his getaway driver drops out; his hotheaded gunman arouses suspicion—his haphazard caper doesn’t lead to riches.
    Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just people brought in to incite chaos.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This is the kind of rhetoric that incites violence.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on provoke

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