provoked 1 of 2

provoked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of provoke
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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 provoked
Verb
If these quasi-mythical creatures provoked unease, at least among outsiders, their cheese did the opposite. Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 Trump’s unprecedented decision to attend an NBA Finals game provoked turmoil for the team and their fans. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 June 2026 The Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office described Metcalf’s killing in Frisco as an unjustified, provoked murder. Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2026 When Metcalf and others asked him to leave, Anthony taunted and provoked Metcalf, took out a knife and stabbed him, prosecutor Bill Wirskye said, according to KTVT. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 June 2026 Giant has provoked so many think-pieces and conversations and debates, which have caused people to flock to the show — you guys made your money back in 10 weeks, which just doesn’t happen. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 Venomous snakes in Tennessee typically prefer to avoid humans and will not bite unless provoked. Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 3 June 2026 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
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
  • Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026
  • Although the concept encouraged spaces that felt open, airy, and perfectly curated, in practice, the trend was anything but practical.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Shots fired near the Colorado-Wyoming border on Monday triggered a massive response from law enforcement agencies in both states after a Wyoming deputy was injured, sheriff’s officials said.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
  • Multiple buildings collapsed in General Santos City, a major port on the populous island of Mindanao, and the quake also triggered deadly landslides and a 3-foot tsunami that hit neighboring islands’ coasts.
    Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The experience left her frustrated.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
  • It's not intended as a relief valve for frustrated I-70 travelers.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • So, that just keeps them stimulated and keeps their day really interesting.
    Monique John, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The accusations against Burton have raised questions about his criminal background and the vetting process city officials use before hiring someone for Safe Streets.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Alex Call’s nice running catch of Edgar Quero’s foul down the left-field line ended the inning and raised the stakes.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a feature published today, deputy executive editor Yoni Appelbaum examines the tortured debate—inside and outside the academy—over how to tell the American story.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
  • Hunter Biden is mixing it up with admirers and critics on social media, while Jill Biden is rehashing the tortured saga of the last presidential race in a new memoir.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • But as El País reports, the basilica’s construction, which began 144 years ago, is famously unfinished, and for years controversy has stirred over an unrealized aspect of the design.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026
  • The flames were visible to anyone driving or walking down Columbus Drive, and the sight in the public park stirred emotions and shocked many.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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