PROVOKE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

provoke

verb

prə-ˈvōk

Definition of provoke next

as in to encourage

to rouse to strong feeling or action his teasing finally provoked her to anger bees generally will not sting unless they are provoked

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to raise

to bring (something volatile or intense) into being rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire. —

Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 They could be provoked into recognizing this or that territory, and that’s just impossible. —

Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 These are healthy experiences for a nation as diverse as ours and should provoke interest, intrigue and most importantly, understanding. —

Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026 The refusal to be endlessly provoked. —

Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoke

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke

Verb

There are more than 150 miles of tunnels across nine underground levels, and guests are encouraged to lick the walls.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
Virgo The Saturn-Neptune conjunction occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, intimate bonds, and shared resources, encouraging you to grapple with boundaries and limitations tied to your closest relationships.

— Maressa Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026