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

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

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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 Charlie Taney is the great-great-grandnephew of former Chief Justice Roger Taney, the man who wrote the infamous Dred Scott opinion that helped provoke the Civil War. — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 7 July 2026 Another friend recounted the ins-and-outs of her 11-year-old’s baseball league, which provokes more political intrigue than a Hilary Mantel novel. — Mary Pauline Lowry, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Rob Reiner's final on-screen appearance in Larry David's latest HBO comedy provoked online criticism. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoke

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke

Verb

They are accused of encouraging dissent against the regime and were convicted of broad charges of corruption, CNN’s Isobel Yeung reports.

— Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
The Overland Park exhibition invited Black artists from across the Kansas City area to present work that reflected their identities, encouraging each artist to define themselves on their own terms.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Having one copy of the APOE4 variant may double or triple the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, while having two copies may raise risk by tenfold or more.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The Digital Realty proposal is the first project vying to get an exemption from Atlanta’s ban, raising questions about balancing urban land use and digital infrastructure.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of raise

Verb

Instead of promoting their efforts, Republican lawmakers were left scrambling when the president abruptly withdrew his support over a separate political fight.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The British Museum move, meanwhile, is a public happening organized as part of a citywide art trail to promote a world tour around BTS’s latest album.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

Your 3rd House of Communication is stirred by the temperamental Moon, while the life-giving Sun boosts your 7th House of Partnership, aligning words with steady commitments.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Make sure to stir the ice cream to the consistency of frozen yogurt before spreading and freezing the cake to help prevent air bubbles and create neat layers.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Definition of stir

Verb

By triggering the release of a natural growth factor in the brain and modulating neural pathways associated with addiction and reward, ibogaine restores healthy dopamine function and reduces cravings, Barsuglia said.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of trigger

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“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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