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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provokes
Mercury in Sagittarius provokes your mind to venture into uncharted territory.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Blue Film provokes and captivates in equal measure, with the naked honesty of a black box off-off-Broadway play.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Through her restraint, Roberts provokes in us some semblance of empathy for her character – in a movie where everyone else is basically monstrous.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Every action provokes a reaction.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
After a sleepy start to the second half at Old Trafford, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, and the relocation of Cunha into a deeper position, provokes a fresh wave of interest.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Usa Today, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Blue Film provokes and captivates in equal measure, with the naked honesty of a black box off-off-Broadway play.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Through her restraint, Roberts provokes in us some semblance of empathy for her character – in a movie where everyone else is basically monstrous.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
Every action provokes a reaction.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
After a sleepy start to the second half at Old Trafford, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, and the relocation of Cunha into a deeper position, provokes a fresh wave of interest.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
Verb
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Besides the gleaming blue hull, the 60-footer has an open layout that encourages sociability while promoting privacy in areas like the sunbed at the stern or foredeck lounge.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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Each troll has a name and a story that encourages nature exploration and ultimately finding ways to protect the earth.—
Khadejeh Nikouyeh,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Calf raises with a slow lower Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and lift both heels as high as possible.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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The new study raises important questions about the role flexible work arrangements could play in helping fertility rates rebound, Bloom said.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mercury entering Sagittarius today stimulates your creative faculties.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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The low-level, external electrical charge stimulates the body’s internal repair mechanism.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Key Takeaways Persimmons are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and promotes heart health.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
10 Nov. 2025
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Research suggests that movement helps to regulate circadian rhythm and increases melatonin production, which is a hormone that increases at night and promotes sleep.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Yet, beneath this comforting picture, another reality stirs.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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Something stirs beneath the surface as this mystifying energy takes hold, inviting us to explore the shadows, confront the truth and rise into transformation.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Key Takeaways Short-term, alcohol slows brain processing, triggers the reward system, reduces stress and pain, impairs spatial thinking, and can cause memory lapses or blackouts.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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Late changes after proto review or post–assortment lock (because of a market signal or someone just changed their mind) triggers rework.—
Raj Dhiman,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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And then that usually inspires another melody and other parts of the song.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
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What, these days, inspires you to hit the gym or work hard or pursue success in other ways?—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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And when her romance with Denji threatens to become lethal, their love story turns twisted and incites a series of battles that could destroy Tokyo.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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This is the kind of rhetoric that incites violence.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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