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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of provoked
Sarah M.s. Pearsall,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
According to Annecy Artistic Director, Marcel Jean, the unprecedented weather provoked screening no-shows, as ticket holders proved wary of braving the scorching sun when queueing outside festival venues.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
29 June 2026
There was no depth to it, no hint of recognition of the horror that had provoked it.
—
Will MacKin,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
Given the patchy nature of Paleolithic evidence, this matter has provoked many disagreements, which began long before the publication of The Stone Age Diet.
—
David Merritt Johns,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2026
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
Verb
Montgomery’s death provoked an outpouring of heartfelt support.
—
Sarah M.s. Pearsall,
The Conversation,
2 July 2026
What the 1998 demolition unexpectedly uncovered roiled Miami and provoked a worldwide outcry — a mysterious set of 24 holes carved into the limestone bedrock in a perfect circle, 38 feet in diameter.
—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
According to Annecy Artistic Director, Marcel Jean, the unprecedented weather provoked screening no-shows, as ticket holders proved wary of braving the scorching sun when queueing outside festival venues.
—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
29 June 2026
There was no depth to it, no hint of recognition of the horror that had provoked it.
—
Will MacKin,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
Given the patchy nature of Paleolithic evidence, this matter has provoked many disagreements, which began long before the publication of The Stone Age Diet.
—
David Merritt Johns,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
Adjective
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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.
-
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.
Verb
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Customers are encouraged to check online to confirm hours for their nearest store.
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Businesses can also partner with the nonprofit, while current and retired officers in need are encouraged to reach out directly for help.
Verb
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These episodes have been triggered by intense heat domes — stubborn areas of high pressure that lock hot air in place — and are clearly supercharged by global warming, experts say.
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Throughout the game, seeing green shirts on the large screen triggered cheers through the crowd, while boos came up when yellow kits were displayed.
Adjective
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But no one who delves into Duchamp can shake the feeling that erotic fixations and frustrated romantic love are at the core of his imaginative universe.
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Unemployment remains above 30%, making migrants easy political targets for frustrated communities and opportunistic actors.
Verb
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But women retain responsive desire—which comes from being stimulated, or from stimulating themselves.
-
Long-term state investment in infrastructure has stimulated enterprise.
Verb
-
The bike lane is raised a little from the street, and then the sidewalk is raised a little from the bike lane.
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But last year, Australia’s National Rodeo Association raised the age limit to 18, boosting Bella’s ambition to one day ride in adult comps.
Adjective
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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.
-
Superman pops in for a couple of cute scenes along the way, while another DC side character, the alien and bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa), appears as a tortured bit of universe-building.
Verb
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Sometimes the antibodies can be stirred to action by exercise, alcohol, or a combination of the two.
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Crafted with Grey Goose vodka and Carpano Dry Vermouth, the cocktail is prepared to each guest’s preference—whether dry, dirty, extra dirty, shaken or stirred—from the restaurant’s signature martini cart.
Cite this Entry
“Provoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoked. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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