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
The president highlighted the military operation in Iran that has proven deeply unpopular, and an immigration agenda that has provoked intense backlash. Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026 Concentrated wealth has always converted into influence, and the republic absorbed it and built the antitrust law and disclosure rules that outlasted the men who provoked them. Douglas P. McCormick, Fortune, 23 June 2026 Israel has launched frequent campaigns against Hezbollah, most notably in 2006, when a Hezbollah cross-border raid and the capture of two Israeli soldiers provoked an extensive Israeli air and ground operation that lasted more than a month. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 He’d been taken down to the kitchen earlier in the night to cool off after Cola provoked his temper. Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
Adjective
  • The individuals have been charged with one or a combination of offenses including simple assault, conspiracy, theft, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, riot and others.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Making the leap to full-time guiding came after long hours and a pivotal conversation with his wife, his biggest supporter and accountability partner, who encouraged him to pursue life around his most consuming obsession.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
  • In the news release, the Sheriff’s Office encouraged the public to wear proper safety equipment and to wear personal floatation devices while on the water.
    Velvet Wu June 21, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, questions about how much DHS paid for some warehouses triggered an internal audit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
  • The avatar on Bonsu Baah’s Instagram page is a photograph of his mother, whose sudden death four years ago triggered a change in his thinking.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yet many leaders remain frustrated.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Goldman, who has been repeatedly slammed by Lander on the issue, was clearly frustrated and upset, saying that the AIPAC attack could lead to more antisemitism.
    Mark Prussin, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • How to handle it By bearing in mind that Gemini is happiest when they’re being stimulated mentally can actually help preempt and address any fussiness.
    Maressa Brown, Parents, 18 June 2026
  • When your muscles work against resistance, bone tissue is stimulated and becomes stronger.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Led by Thiel Fellow James Proud, Substrate recently raised $100 million at a $1 billion valuation from investors including Founders Fund and General Catalyst.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Would Rhaenyra’s Syrax — a formidably sized dragon, albeit one raised in captivity — be able to torch them all?
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 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
  • In fact, NBCUniversal is wading into the buzz round Polymarket, Kalshi and other prediction market services that have stirred controversy.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • Because the only thing more refreshing than a glass of ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day is this version with fresh peach simple syrup stirred into it.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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