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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in aggravated
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoked
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Yet, as many observers predicted, attempts to extend transatlantic cohesion through NATO expansion ultimately provoked a Russian reaction that a transatlantic relationship premised on economic cooperation might not have had.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
The audience laughed, then a few hours later, its minds and anxieties provoked, spilled out into the warm September air a little heavier for the wear.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
The participation of big-name funnymen, including Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart and Jimmy Carr, has provoked criticism from fellow comedians, including Marc Maron, Shane Gillis and Stavros Halkias, as well as human rights groups and other commentators.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
For director and co-writer Shinsuke Sato, a third season that moved beyond the main action of the manga allowed for greater freedom to explore the questions provoked by this Borderland reveal.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Kimmel’s statements provoked a rebuke from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
One student told detectives that Clarke provoked the situation by making disparaging remarks at him.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
While Kimmel's suspension ended on Tuesday night, the move provoked outrage from a chorus of critics, including current and former hosts of similar talk shows that regularly skewer the political news of the day.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Republicans provoked a shutdown at the exact same point in the calendar in 2013 over defunding Obamacare — and the polls at that time were bad for the GOP.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Yet, as many observers predicted, attempts to extend transatlantic cohesion through NATO expansion ultimately provoked a Russian reaction that a transatlantic relationship premised on economic cooperation might not have had.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
The audience laughed, then a few hours later, its minds and anxieties provoked, spilled out into the warm September air a little heavier for the wear.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
The participation of big-name funnymen, including Dave Chappelle, Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart and Jimmy Carr, has provoked criticism from fellow comedians, including Marc Maron, Shane Gillis and Stavros Halkias, as well as human rights groups and other commentators.
—Chloe Veltman, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
For director and co-writer Shinsuke Sato, a third season that moved beyond the main action of the manga allowed for greater freedom to explore the questions provoked by this Borderland reveal.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
Kimmel’s statements provoked a rebuke from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
One student told detectives that Clarke provoked the situation by making disparaging remarks at him.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
While Kimmel's suspension ended on Tuesday night, the move provoked outrage from a chorus of critics, including current and former hosts of similar talk shows that regularly skewer the political news of the day.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
Verb
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People in the comments section validated her feelings and encouraged her to stand firm.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The family-friendly event draws kid and adult runners, and for a fun Halloween twist, participants are encouraged to dress up.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That termination triggered lengthy litigation that continues and has pingponged through the American judicial system.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Market reaction to the QFI consultation was muted, in contrast to the buying spree triggered by potential lifting of foreign ownership limits.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The man Smith is facing charges of capital murder and aggravated assault, sheriff’s records show.—
TJ Macias,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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Prosecutors have charged Robinson with seven counts, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty, felony firearms charges, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing violence in the presence of a child.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But dogs still need ways to burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
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For example, one study found that breast cancer cell growth was stimulated by low concentrations of genistein and inhibited by higher concentrations.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Koivu, the only player in franchise history to have his number raised to the Grand Casino Arena rafters, is the Wild's all-time leader in games played (1,028), assists (504), points (709), power-play points (251), shots (2,270), faceoff wins (10,354) and shootout goals (42).—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Take it from Chris Trentine, who was born and raised in the area and now owns the Crooked Palm Cabana cocktail bar.—
Teaghan Skulszki,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The uprisings moved through the region as the Arab Spring ignited, and tens of millions of frustrated residents went online to coordinate.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Brown has appeared frustrated with his limited role in the offense.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Baseball’s automatic runner has brought new fans but also stirred anxiety among purists.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Then the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt) are stirred into that molten chocolate mixture, and some magical alchemy occurs.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Raven’s marvel of a case study recapitulates the dissonance whereby cycles—political, social, structural, ecological—continue, monuments are created and destroyed and momentum is incited and frustrated, all while costs continue to mount.—
Anne Reeve,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Miami Marlins incited grumbling across the sport as the organization embarked on several newfangled initiatives in 2025.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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