1
as in encourages
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raises
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
Verb
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Pruning also stimulates branching, which encourages more flowers.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
16 Mar. 2025 -
For example, generative AI might provide you with an essay that glorifies a particular addiction or could engage in a dialogue that encourages you to become addicted to this or that addictive substance or non-substance.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Yet the possibility of preemptively pardoning people who have not been charged of any crimes raises a host of legal concerns that could sway Biden not to take action.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
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Research shows using a snowblower raises the heat rate to about 120 beats a minute compared with a heart rate of about 170 beats a minute when shoveling, according to the American Heart Association.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA TODAY,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This stimulates autophagy and detox enzymes, resulting in a deep cleansing of the cells and tissue.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
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However, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of smoother, more even skin.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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That promotes healthy rainfall patterns and keeps the hydrological cycle moving.—
Dan Lambe,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Intel also promotes a vast ecosystem of more than 200 independent software vendors developing commercial applications and services tailored to its platform.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, the lead character has to deal with his parents, sister, a new friend at school and a peculiar older boy who stirs perplexing feelings in him.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2024
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Even an eventual death in the family stirs no major histrionics.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
21 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Paul takes a local gal to his hotel room for a nightcap, which inspires the gal’s husband to take a chair to Paul’s head.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Mar. 2025
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Passion changes minds and inspires action.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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By fostering an environment where team members feel valued and heard, Tesla cultivates a culture of accountability and excellence.—
Wayne Yu,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Leaders must communicate a compelling vision that not only draws in top talent, but also cultivates a workplace culture that supports long-term engagement.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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