1
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
2
as in to raise
to bring (something volatile or intense) into being
rankings that are sure to provoke an argument among film buffs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoke
Although Florida statutes do not specifically mention dog-bear interactions, existing baiting and fighting regulations prohibit using one animal to provoke another.
—
Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
However, some regional security analysts warn that a U.S intervention could widen the conflict and provoke Iranian strikes on U.S. military bases in the Gulf, as well as oil infrastructure in the Gulf, which could send shockwaves through world markets.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 18 June 2025
Redesign your spaces, physical and digital, with artists, not just designers, to create environments that inspire, provoke and invite belonging.
4.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Livingstone’s experiments in particular have provoked a storm of condemnation, not just from groups like PETA, which has campaigned to get her research shut down, but also from fellow scientists.
—Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Zoey Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
However, some regional security analysts warn that a U.S intervention could widen the conflict and provoke Iranian strikes on U.S. military bases in the Gulf, as well as oil infrastructure in the Gulf, which could send shockwaves through world markets.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 18 June 2025
Redesign your spaces, physical and digital, with artists, not just designers, to create environments that inspire, provoke and invite belonging.
4.
—Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Livingstone’s experiments in particular have provoked a storm of condemnation, not just from groups like PETA, which has campaigned to get her research shut down, but also from fellow scientists.
—Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
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Smith encouraged him to tap into his enthusiasm for developing new ideas.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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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
Verb
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That raises real concerns about whether SGA and Co. can make the right plays against Indiana's defensive pressure in Game 7. Ironically, many expected this exact issue -- pressure defense forcing turnovers and leading to easy offense the other way -- to play a huge role in these Finals.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
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Although questions had been raised about whether the boat was properly secured — such as the hatches being left open to water — the new report found that weather was the primary risk, and that a burst of intense winds is believed to have tipped over the luxury yacht within a matter of seconds.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
22 June 2025
Verb
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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
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The Cancer new moon stimulates your visionary capacities.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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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
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At high levels, free radicals trigger what’s known as oxidative stress, which can damage cell DNA and increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.78 4.—
Cynthia Sass,
Health,
23 June 2025
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With many key military figures already killed in Israeli airstrikes and Iran's nuclear and logistical infrastructure under attack, any power vacuum could trigger instability or factional conflict.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Personally, however, your idealism will be aroused.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 June 2025
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For instance, people often mistake a dog’s wagging tail as a sign of happiness, but the American Kennel Club suggests that the wagging movement only indicates that the dog is emotionally aroused.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Luckily, Beyoncé was safely lowered to the ground offstage, inciting overwhelming cheers from her fans.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
29 June 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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