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 Although Florida statutes do not specifically mention dog-bear interactions, existing baiting and fighting regulations prohibit using one animal to provoke another. Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025 However, some regional security analysts warn that a U.S intervention could widen the conflict and provoke Iranian strikes on U.S. military bases in the Gulf, as well as oil infrastructure in the Gulf, which could send shockwaves through world markets. Daniel Estrin, NPR, 18 June 2025 Redesign your spaces, physical and digital, with artists, not just designers, to create environments that inspire, provoke and invite belonging. 4. Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025 Livingstone’s experiments in particular have provoked a storm of condemnation, not just from groups like PETA, which has campaigned to get her research shut down, but also from fellow scientists. Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • The return of blue-book exams might disadvantage students who were encouraged to master typing at a young age.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Eight steel lifting straps were used to put the hull upright and to form part of a steel wire lifting system that began raising the vessel out of the water Saturday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • Another raises the question of subsidence, which relates to the caving in or sinking of land.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • In fact, scientists say today's children are exposed to far fewer antigens—the components that stimulate immune responses—than their grandparents were, despite receiving more immunizations overall.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The Cancer new moon stimulates your visionary capacities.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Topline The Trump administration sued the city of Los Angeles on Monday, claiming its policy limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts promotes attacks on law enforcement, the latest legal battle centered around the L.A. protests against federal deportation raids.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Target has tapped the promotional strategy frequently in recent years, cutting or maintaining prices on important seasonal categories such as toys or Thanksgiving meal supplies, while also promoting lists of related items as falling under a certain amount.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • But for those paying closer attention, something else was stirring: the quiet but powerful debut of SirDavis American Whisky, her first foray into spirits in partnership with Moët Hennessy.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • TikTok users flooded the comment section with responses describing the scene as heartwarming and emotionally stirring.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Resource and organizational constraints are triggering strategic realignments.
    Timothy J. McClimon, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • With many key military figures already killed in Israeli airstrikes and Iran's nuclear and logistical infrastructure under attack, any power vacuum could trigger instability or factional conflict.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Personally, however, your idealism will be aroused.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 June 2025
  • For instance, people often mistake a dog’s wagging tail as a sign of happiness, but the American Kennel Club suggests that the wagging movement only indicates that the dog is emotionally aroused.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Luckily, Beyoncé was safely lowered to the ground offstage, inciting overwhelming cheers from her fans.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 June 2025
  • Trump, the only felon to ever occupy the White House, was impeached on a charge of inciting insurrection in the attack on the Capitol.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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