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 Meet Nashville's new crime-fighting Clydesdale Metro Nashville mounted patrol officer Michael Douglas squeezed a three-foot-long rubber chicken, producing an increasingly louder and closer screeching sound to try and provoke a 1,700-pound Clydesdale named Ross. Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025 Mazrui’s essay provoked a strong reaction. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 Charging documents filed in the case allege that Sanchez provoked a fight with a 69-year-old man working for a cooking oil recycling service. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025 Its inauguration has provoked as much controversy as excitement. Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • Attendees left the event with tourniquets or trauma bandages and were encouraged to reach out to Bound Tree Medical to purchase additional supplies for their congregations.
    Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Deadheading encourages chocolate cosmos plants to produce more flower buds, keeping plants productive.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The government can raise revenues by increasing the payroll tax that funds Social Security or the income threshold to continue paying the tax or raise the full retirement age.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The nonprofit will provide scholarships and supportive services for families raising children with autism.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • States generally had strong revenue growth in 2021 and 2022 because of economic growth, which included federal aid to stimulate the economy.
    Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The data delay comes at a time when economists were looking for signs of a rebound in the job market after months of disappointing reports and when the Fed is expected to announce at least one additional rate cut before the end of the year to stimulate growth.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To avoid tired, swollen feet, swap your ankle socks out for these Charmking compression socks, which promote good blood circulation in the air.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Leo will soon embark on his first international trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to focus on promoting peace in the Middle East.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add corn and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt; cook, stirring often, until tender, about 4 minutes.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Cook over medium heat until onion is tender and sausage begins to brown, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, a Ward 2 resident initiated the process of gathering signatures to trigger a recall election of Richardson.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
  • This has triggered debate among people with historic association to United.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But then Swift reveals the full conceit of the song, which is how flattering and even arousing it is to hear about someone thinking about you constantly (even if for negative reasons).
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The scans aroused suspicions, and the decision was made to admit Jim through the emergency room.
    Ann Patchett, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The group also slammed how authorities arrested some social media users and activists for purportedly inciting violence.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Back then, a single team coming together to put a pair of climbers on a summit incited national celebration.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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