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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
This stimulates autophagy and detox enzymes, resulting in a deep cleansing of the cells and tissue.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
-
However, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of smoother, more even skin.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
That promotes healthy rainfall patterns and keeps the hydrological cycle moving.—
Dan Lambe,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
Even an eventual death in the family stirs no major histrionics.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
21 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
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
-
Passion changes minds and inspires action.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share