PROVOKED Synonyms: 178 Similar and Opposite Words

provoked 1 of 2

adjective

as in aggravated

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provoked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of provoke

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

Broadnose sevengill sharks are considered aggressive when provoked and are classified as dangerous in both Australia and New Zealand, per the Institute. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Fear provoked his legendary rages—breaking chairs, throwing things, cutting people out of his life. — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 Simeone is the son of former Argentine great and Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who provoked David Beckham’s red card during the 1998 World Cup Round of 16. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 His death provoked the most recent reaction from the Mexican Government and became the case that led Sheinbaum to announce new complaints before US authorities. — Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 The strangeness of the occasion, and the wild atmosphere provoked by something Wimbledon had never seen before, was a fitting environment for statistically the most unlikely champion in the tournament’s history. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Jason Melara, Taylor and Johnson not only with his murder, but also the killing of Mario Melara under the theory that his death was provoked by the armed robbery of Aguilar. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 Those long evenings provoked tears of laughter, sometimes sorrow, and occasionally both in the course of a meal. — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026 Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked

Adjective

Parsons was also previously convicted of burglary and aggravated battery.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
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

Definition of aggravated

Verb

During the pandemic boom, cheap money, soaring asset prices, and speculative demand encouraged galleries to expand rapidly—adding artists, opening new locations and building ever larger organizations.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
As energy costs and demand continue to rise and the potential for significantly lower tax revenues looms, local governments need to understand that clean energy is not banned in Florida but is encouraged by state statutes.

— Alan Byrd, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Definition of encouraged

Verb

Last week torrential rains triggered deadly mudslides and flooding in Cox’s Bazar, flattening shelters and killing more than a dozen people, including children.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
The stroke was triggered by high blood pressure and made worse by untreated sleep apnea, causing Miner to stop breathing.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of triggered

Adjective

In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Tuchel is now facing a significant public backlash at home, from fans who feel frustrated that this tournament has ended the way that so many others have.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of frustrated

Verb

Many major tech companies engineered environments designed to keep smart people in the building longer—fed, caffeinated and stimulated enough to move at a pace that older, slower companies couldn't match.

— Vince Carrabba, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Playing games can be a fun, easy way to keep your brain stimulated as you age.

— Allison Forsyth, Health, 30 June 2026

Definition of stimulated

Verb

The core interest aside from this being the final of a six-week long competition that only happens every four years is the country of Messi’s birth taking on the country that raised him.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 19 July 2026
And that made his recent comments about former Blue Jays coach Don Mattingly especially noteworthy, as his departure for the Philadelphia Phillies has raised questions about whether the Blue Jays batting order can succeed without him.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of raised

Adjective

Natalie Portman famously saw a twisted version of herself in mirrors as part of her Oscar-winning performance as a tortured ballerina in Black Swan.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
It’s held together beautifully by Bailey, who’s easy to root for as the tortured protagonist, and, as one half (along with her sister) of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, knows a thing or two about the musician’s plight.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 26 June 2026

Definition of tortured

Verb

On Wednesday, Argentina player Lisandro Martínez was asked if the banner could have stirred deep emotions and tears for a veteran of the Malvinas conflict.

— Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
This helps the shells to keep their shape once stirred together with the dressing and mix-ins.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Definition of stirred

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“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of provoked

adjective

verb

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