provoked 1 of 2

adjective

as in aggravated

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provoked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of provoke
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

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2
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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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 comment at a rally last Sunday titillated, provoked and enraged different audiences simultaneously, all but guaranteeing saturation news coverage and even more attention. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026 The incidents had provoked international scrutiny of the country’s assault on Gaza. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026 In 2023, Spitze provoked his mother's boyfriend into shooting him inside their home, prosecutors said. — Mike Levine, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 There is no doubt today that China’s control of rare earths represents a powerful weapon—one that has provoked worldwide alarm and a race to secure alternatives. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The sources added that the relationship breakdown also provoked serious concerns about the wellbeing of the senior colleague. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 Even the smaller discoveries, like the shovel found in the rock area, provoked the kind of reflection that Idaho Public Archaeology hopes to spur. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026 Users of virtual companions protest, seek alternatives The loss of virtual companions has provoked a flood of complaints, according to posts and screenshots shown on social media. — Fu Ting, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 But this latest barrage is both broader and more intense, largely because Ukraine’s recent successes, particularly inside Russia, have provoked Putin to try to reclaim battlefield momentum. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 31 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoked
  1. aggravated
  2. encouraged
  3. triggered
  4. frustrated
  5. stimulated
  6. raised
  7. tortured
  8. stirred
Adjective
  • He's been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and theft by taking.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Oklahoma City saw increases in homicides, rapes and robberies, while aggravated assaults only decreased by eight year-over-year.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggravated
Verb
  • After Wednesday's hearing, Warren said he was encouraged by the judge's questions and hoped for a ruling before students return for the new semester.
    — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The story reported that, wary of potential consequences for employment in California, Newsom had encouraged Bonta to find a solution out of court.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraged
Verb
  • The blaze appears to have been triggered by an air conditioning compressor explosion inside the nursery where the newborn babies were being cared for, rescue sources told CNN.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That flood was triggered by the draining of a supraglacial lake in Tibet, a regional climate monitor said.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of triggered
Adjective
  • When John finally reunites with Hal (who charges the ring against the lantern while quickly muttering his oath), the frustrated protégé immediately confronts his teacher with all the suspicions he was meant to keep secret.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Counsell remained frustrated by the balk call after the inning ended.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrated
Verb
  • Throughout Milo's healing, Haarburger sought ways to keep him entertained and mentally stimulated.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • So the majority of product [is] stimulated by patient interaction, and the hero product has to be the Polish.
    — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulated
Verb
  • That sentiment illustrates a central tension raised by many of the actors who shared their stories with CNN.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Rights groups have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in Tunisia since the EU agreement, including reports of collective expulsions, racial violence, arbitrary detention and abuses against Black migrants.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of raised
Adjective
  • Wuthering Heights In Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte presents a world of conflicts, frictions between families, passions, and attachments—especially those of Catherine Earnshaw and the tortured Heathcliff—across an untamed landscape.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Eve resists scream-queen clichés, but Gemma’s boringly typical tortured backstory is as flat as her wan chemistry with Nick.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of tortured
Verb
  • Race was not a focus of the arguments made to the jury, but the case has stirred racial tensions in the community, with the families and attorneys on both sides receiving threats.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This shelf-stable pantry staple is made from sweet cream solids and can be stirred right into the dish without dissolving it in liquid beforehand.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stirred

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Cite this Entry

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

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