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 writer’s entourage was constantly drunk and rowdy, often stumbling back into the hotel at 3 a.m. and provoking complaints from other guests. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025 The lavish display of money and excess has provoked backlash from local residents and environmental demonstrators who protest the use of the Unesco world heritage site as a playground for the super-rich. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 27 June 2025 The exhibit, designed for temporary installation in church sanctuaries, aimed to provoke discussion and encourage open dialogue about the past. Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025 Blinder, the former Fed vice chair, said the risk is that a shadow Fed chair provokes their future colleagues by speaking out before taking power. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • Popular online influencers with millions of followers have encouraged Holocaust denial.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Business leaders must raise their voices—not just for equity, but for the sustainability and competitiveness of their own industries.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Bonilla, who was born and raised in the Bronx, said spending a lot of money as a player was never a big deal for him.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The Cancer new moon stimulates your visionary capacities.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • In fact, scientists say today's children are exposed to far fewer antigens—the components that stimulate immune responses—than their grandparents were, despite receiving more immunizations overall.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump promoted tax cuts and border security among the provisions to support in the legislation.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • In addition to adding decorative flair to windows and doors, these multipurpose window treatments promote privacy and block light, with many designs offering temperature-regulating and sound-dampening qualities to boot.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • But for those paying closer attention, something else was stirring: the quiet but powerful debut of SirDavis American Whisky, her first foray into spirits in partnership with Moët Hennessy.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • TikTok users flooded the comment section with responses describing the scene as heartwarming and emotionally stirring.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • This week's snowfall was triggered by unusual atmospheric instability affecting northern Chile.
    María de los Ángeles Orfila, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • That, in turn, will trigger a future automatic benefit cut of 24% to all recipients, the centrist think tank projects.
    Ben Adler, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Like the rakish characters in La Piscine, those in Last Summer are caught in a folie à plusieurs, where the idyllic, island setting seems to arouse their worst impulses.
    Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
  • Cassie admitted ecstasy made her feel euphoric and aroused, while ketamine would make her dissociative.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Luckily, Beyoncé was safely lowered to the ground offstage, inciting overwhelming cheers from her fans.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 June 2025
  • Trump, the only felon to ever occupy the White House, was impeached on a charge of inciting insurrection in the attack on the Capitol.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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