as in aggravated
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in encouraged
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in triggered
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 provoked
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Stigma and fear provoked hostility.
—Christina Ray Stanton, Time, 2 June 2026
According to Rosenthal, one of the key legal questions could be whether evidence shows Anthony provoked or escalated the confrontation before the fatal encounter, a factor that could significantly affect how a self-defense claim is evaluated by the court and jury.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Other Nigerian artists have attempted to criticize the government’s excesses, in genres including reggae, fuji and pop, but critics say none of them have provoked the same level of confrontation.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
This provoked annoyance at a high level at Atletico, where everyone enjoyed poking fun at Barca after Simeone’s team progressed in the tie.
—Ali Rampling, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The heavy hand of British executions, offensive to Indigenous notions of reparative justice, also provoked many.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
The anxiety the show provoked only added to its allure.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
People will be explosive, experience bad news, and generally feel frustrated, provoked, and down.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Verb
Her video, which amassed over 71,000 views, provoked numerous concerned reactions from the medical community.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Stigma and fear provoked hostility.
—Christina Ray Stanton, Time, 2 June 2026
According to Rosenthal, one of the key legal questions could be whether evidence shows Anthony provoked or escalated the confrontation before the fatal encounter, a factor that could significantly affect how a self-defense claim is evaluated by the court and jury.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Other Nigerian artists have attempted to criticize the government’s excesses, in genres including reggae, fuji and pop, but critics say none of them have provoked the same level of confrontation.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
This provoked annoyance at a high level at Atletico, where everyone enjoyed poking fun at Barca after Simeone’s team progressed in the tie.
—Ali Rampling, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The heavy hand of British executions, offensive to Indigenous notions of reparative justice, also provoked many.
—Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
The anxiety the show provoked only added to its allure.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
People will be explosive, experience bad news, and generally feel frustrated, provoked, and down.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
Adjective
-
Under federal immigration law, second‑degree bail jumping is classified as an aggravated felony, a designation that generally bars lawful permanent residents from seeking cancellation of removal and most other forms of relief.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
-
He was booked into the jail there on suspicion of robbery and aggravated battery, and then in October Lembke was extradited to Idaho and taken into custody at the Ada County Jail.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Anyone walking past the mini gallery is encouraged to take what speaks to them, and to even drop off bits of their own work.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
-
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
One of the most notable examples came when former MVP James Harden publicly criticized then-Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey after Morey's support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong triggered a backlash from Chinese officials and business partners.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
Her doctor could not tie her new problem to the assault, but Andrews wonders if the blow to her face triggered it.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Dozens of families who survived a fire at a condominium complex in North Attleboro, Massachusetts are frustrated they still haven't been allowed to see their homes three weeks after the fire.—
Tammy Mutasa,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Jacob Rodriguez was so frustrated by his inability to pull down a pass from a coach during a drill designed to sharpen the linebacker unit’s instincts and hands, the rookie spiked the ball on the turf after bobbling it.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The revving of the AI hype cycle into the coming mega-IPOs will likely keep the bullish traders stimulated.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
2 June 2026
-
Turn mealtime into braintime with this interactive puzzle toy that keeps dogs engaged, entertained and mentally stimulated.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
Lenny, who was born and raised on Maui, caught his first wave at Cove Park in Kihei at age four, was windsurfing by age six, and was tackling giant waves in his teens.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Filings show that between January and March, Schmidt raised about $177,000.—
Matthew Kelly
Updated June 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2026
Verb
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As part of the investigation, the EEOC subpoenaed the university for the names and contacts of employees affiliated with Jewish groups at the university, a move that stirred controversy and raised safety concerns from students and faculty.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
-
His affinity for Aurelio’s Pizza and long-suffering support for the White Sox, Bulls and Bears has since stirred a fresh wave of hometown pride in Chicago.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The actress incited controversy for her character's OnlyFans career throughout the show's third season.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
1 June 2026
-
Its candor incited a small-scale moral panic.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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