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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoked
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
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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