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 Hong Kong police say the mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire intentionally provokes hatred towards central authorities and the Hong Kong government. Sherisse Pham, NPR, 11 June 2025 This, in turn, provoked police to wade into the crowd, beating people with nightsticks. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 10 June 2025 He’s considered the influence of emotions on moral judgement, the emotions provoked by bioethical issues such as human cloning, and the roles of empathy and ego in altruistic behavior. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 June 2025 Negotiating with someone who is trying to provoke you is their tactic. John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • These plays still aren’t consistent from Ivey, but look for the Pistons to put him in more pick-and-roll situations to encourage more growth in that department.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • State lawmakers created the program in 2017 to encourage more publicly funded, privately run schools to open in areas where traditional public schools had been failing for years, giving students and families in those neighborhoods a way to bail out of a persistently struggling school.
    Kate Payne, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • In November, voters in Hawley's home state of Missouri approved a ballot measure to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour, starting in 2026.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 10 June 2025
  • Other potential violations of the Byrd Rule could include the elimination of Medicaid funding for transgender care and a proposal to raise immigration fees.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • These drugs stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which then decreases blood sugar levels.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • During the growing season, the plant is a heavy feeder that needs regular fertilization to stimulate new growth and flowers.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • This intergovernmental coalition brings together 43 countries, working collectively to promote and defend freedom of religion or belief worldwide.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • The Jays also designated reliever Erik Swanson for assignment, promoting pitchers Paxton Schultz and Justin Bruihl to the 26-man roster.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • More recently, the actress stirred buzz for gaining 30 pounds to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • The beauty and brilliance of Baum’s story is undoubtedly in its timeless power to stir an emotional response in us as adults.
    Hazel Gaynor June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • While no breakthroughs were predicted or expected, the leaders reached a consensus in several areas to increase currency stability, restore growth without triggering new inflation, and reduce trade barriers.
    Robert Hormats, Time, 10 June 2025
  • His tweets and public statements have frequently triggered substantial price surges, establishing a direct correlation between his pronouncements and market performance.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • From classic role plays surrounding one's age or pets to the strangely specific, like men being aroused by women playing with toy cars or eating pizza.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • The offensive Orientalist depictions of Chinese characters that were common in Hollywood films of that era inevitably aroused strong passions in Chinese audiences.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • While the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in December incited a fresh wave of public fury about denials, there is almost no hope of meaningful change on the horizon, said Jay Pickern, an assistant professor of health services administration at Auburn University.
    Lauren Sausser, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025
  • While the event remained peaceful throughout the day, organizers feared that the online comments made by Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French on X would incite violence.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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