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 And didn’t the rioters provoke all of this by setting Paris aflame? Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025 Without a formal defense pact with Washington, maintaining the current thaw with Tehran is especially important—particularly if pressure from Israel or the Trump Administration provokes Iran to retaliate against America’s regional partners. Ian Bremmer, Time, 12 May 2025 Even so, the symptoms are provoked by very different things. Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025 The civilian killings have provoked widespread outrage and condemnation in India and around the world. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The trend has raised alarm because visitors from abroad have an important impact on the U.S. economy — especially in California, one of the leading destinations for German tourists.
    Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
  • The fundraiser is to be held Tuesday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Smyth raised $34,000 in campaign contributions, the Nancy on Norwalk website reports, in the first four weeks after announcing her candidacy in March.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
  • Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • When included as part of a balanced diet, soy foods can promote muscle growth, protect heart health, and support weight management.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 May 2025
  • Plus, hair loss treatments do so much more than promote hair growth, which usually takes a couple of months to see.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring constantly until clear and thickened.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 13 May 2025
  • Promoting Marina without discussing it with him first makes Lara look like she’s known about Marina’s greatness all along, without giving the captain credit for stirring the department in the right direction.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The question is what might be triggering the response in some patients but not others.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • That assertive spark seems triggered partly by a quiet conversation with fellow sub Kevin (Scissor Sisters lead singer Jake Shears), who has his aging dom’s name, Steve, tattooed on his ass.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Sidelining people who voiced those views aroused righteous wrath.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • The decision to involve the United States in espionage aroused little public opposition, both in Washington’s day and for decades to come.
    James Santel, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Palestinians are also subject to charges of inciting violence over social media.
    Lynzy Billing, The Dial, 6 May 2025
  • Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in gradually projecting influence over their Azeri cousins in the Azeri province of northern Iran, ultimately with a view to inciting secession.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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