as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in encouraging
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raising
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
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 provoking
Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
To other researchers not involved in the project, the images in the paper and the revelations about the tubules’ structure are thought-provoking.
—Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
The crowd of 73,163 did, too, provoking a delay of game penalty that forced a third-and-long.
—Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
His biggest critique is not having enough time to answer all the thought-provoking questions that came at the end.
—Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
To other researchers not involved in the project, the images in the paper and the revelations about the tubules’ structure are thought-provoking.
—Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
This year is extra lively, too, thanks to the moon cruising through chatty Gemini, setting the tone for a night full of curiosity and thought-provoking conversations.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
The crowd of 73,163 did, too, provoking a delay of game penalty that forced a third-and-long.
—Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
Clothing with offensive language, political messaging, or provocative graphics can violate airline dress codes, which are designed to maintain passenger comfort and safety.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
-
In 2024, Roberto De Zerbi had his own press conference moments at Brighton that seemed as provocative, if not more so, than anything Amorim or Enzo Maresca recently said.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Known for encouraging collaboration in a competitive industry, Brotherton was widely regarded as someone who championed other cooks as much as his own success.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At the same time, venture capital money poured into AI startups with many raising funds at high valuations and little product.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Type One is also in the midst of raising a $250 million Series B at a $900 million pre-money valuation, according to sources and later confirmed by the company.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Heat ripped off a 15-0 run after Hauser’s early buckets and built an early 28-9 lead, triggering two Mazzulla timeouts and a series of Celtics substitutions.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
-
The process is known to heat the exterior of the returning spacecraft to more than 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,926 degrees Celsius), creating a buildup of plasma and triggering a minutes-long communication blackout.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
