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 Senator enlists the help of Davis to provoke Staten at Gracie’s, which leads to a drunken brawl. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Whether countries would risk provoking Trump with an aggressive response is an open question—and likely depends on how much leverage the United States has, both diplomatically and technologically, and for how long. Nikita Lalwani, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025 Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025 Tariffs essentially act as an indirect tax on consumers, provoke retaliatory measures, drive inflation higher, and destabilize financial markets. Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • To achieve those, leaders should consider creating cultures that encourage workers to take breaks, set boundaries, and focus their energies on outcomes.
    Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • In a key way, the American health system encourages it.
    Rebecca T Brown, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resulting footprint is T-shaped, creating numerous pockets of outdoor space just begging to be built out with cushy outdoor seating, raised garden beds, an al fresco dining room, or your very own lanai.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Laser resurfacing uses the same technology to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Monthly Job Swaps: Nothing stimulates understanding and empathy more than walking in someone else's shoes.
    Kelly Leonard, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Among the cuts this year to the permanent employees were 200 probationary staff, dismissed because they had been either recently hired or recently promoted.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Aaronson has left everything on the pitch to get the team promoted, but question marks about his end product in the Championship are hardly going to dissipate in the Premier League.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Continue adding stock as needed, stirring frequently, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, the app’s rising popularity quickly triggered national security and data concerns outside China due to Beijing’s requirement for domestic firms to share data with the PRC.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Market Volatility: The 2022 inflation spike triggered a 52% stock drop (from $170 to $82), exceeding the S&P 500's 25.4% decline.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The double agent Clive arouses Jake’s suspicion immediately, and Sheriff McDowell vouches for him despite being unable to distinguish an Irish accent from a Scottish one.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Their sympathies can be aroused by the stories spun by protectionist politicians.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Steph Curry taunting Dillon Brooks, who incited a mini riot.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The destruction of the mosque incited Hindu-Muslim riots across the country, with the biggest and bloodiest of them in Mumbai.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on provoke

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