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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of provokes
His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 May 2026
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.
—Elisa Wouk Almino
editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The visual effect provokes strikes, but the vibrations also stimulate the receptors in a bass's lateral line.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026
Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 May 2026
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.
—Elisa Wouk Almino
editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.
—Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026
The visual effect provokes strikes, but the vibrations also stimulate the receptors in a bass's lateral line.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026
At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
Verb
-
The flyer encourages students to celebrate the end of the school year after finals.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
When their biggest demonic enemy (Lee Byung-hun) encourages the formation of an equally popular K-pop boy band aimed at stealing the souls of their fans, the trio has to fight harder than ever to hold the demons at bay while keeping their friendship intact.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The extreme heat has been supercharged by global warming, driven by humans burning fossil fuels, which raises the background temperature, making every heat wave more intense.—
Taylor Ward,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
-
Before Crowley was ousted, the city’s top financial analyst pushed back on her budget-cutting narrative, saying that spending on the Fire Department actually went up during that budget year — in large part because of a package of firefighter raises.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
Cryotherapy–brief exposure to very low temperatures–stimulates circulation and helps soothe sore muscles.—
Alexandra Kirkman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
The mature, honest dialogue offers a sense of resolve, ushering you into a pleasant space that stimulates you to nurture yourself.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Similarly, fiber promotes satiety and fullness, as well as digestive health and regularity.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
20 June 2026
-
This partly entails protection for refugees but also promotes border security and even migrant returns.—
Kelsey Norman,
The Conversation,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Moehrig is the straw that stirs the drink on the back end.—
Mike Kaye
June 17,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
The Aries Moon stirs home and family matters, so emotional safety matters as much as the agreement itself.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The next morning, eating breakfast triggers the gastrocolic reflex again.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
22 June 2026
-
The new law bars gambling companies from sending push notifications to their app users, something that emerging research shows triggers people into betting more.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Pay attention to who celebrates your growth, inspires you and supports your endeavors.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Sahas Mehra,
Scientific American,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
-
The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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