provoking 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈvō-kiŋ How to pronounce provoking (audio)
Definition of provokingnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

provoking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of provoke
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

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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

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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
Adjective
Ambitious, thought-provoking, thrilling and passionate. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 May 2026 Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026 Its New York chapter’s response to the October 7 mass murder and mass rape of Israeli civilians was to blame Israel for provoking the attacks. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
  1. provocative
  2. encouraging
  3. raising
  4. charged
  5. stimulating
  6. triggering
  7. stirring
  8. promoting
Adjective
  • Jane Schoenbrun’s latest movie, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, is shocking, emotional, provocative, numbing, warm, witty, and surreal.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards BCA Research The data come from a thorough and provocative new report by BCA's longtime (and now semi-retired) chief economist Martin Barnes.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • Talking Animals Books in Grapevine is leading the second annual event, encouraging book lovers to wander beyond Main Street and into the heart of the area's indie literary scene.
    — CBS News Texas Staff, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • This year, for the first time in a decade, the tax code has largely stopped encouraging charitable giving on its own account, which leaves the payout floor no longer one safeguard among several, but the only one left.
    — Vandana Arcot, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • Previous contracts establishing long-term benefits have been set in increments of 10 or even 20 years, raising the stakes for labor and the state.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The war in the Middle East has made cargoes more scarce and, in turn, more expensive, raising the prospects of another energy crunch.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of raising
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of charged
Verb
  • Learning new skills, playing word games and having stimulating hobbies like reading or puzzles keeps the mind sharp.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Local manufacturing could eventually lower vehicle prices by avoiding import duties while stimulating investment in charging infrastructure, component manufacturing and battery production.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Prosecutors argued that the building caught on fire, triggering a massive explosion and propelling canisters in the air, one of which fatally struck Salter in the head.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget marked the occasion by noting that the retirement program’s trust fund is projected to be depleted in six years, triggering an automatic benefit reduction of about 22% under current law.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of triggering
Verb
  • The Virgo Moon moves through your 9th House of Travel, Learning, and Perspective, stirring curiosity and a desire to expand.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Nevertheless, everything just merges into one, even at times of high drama, such as Middlesbrough’s stirring run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of stirring
Verb
  • On social media, influencers are everywhere, sharing shopping recommendations and lifestyle content or promoting beliefs about health or politics.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Vogue’s September cover star has been on an LBD kick as of late, promoting her new show, The Shards, in everything from a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-esque Prada number to an ode to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of promoting

Browse Nearby Words

provokes
provoking
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Cite this Entry

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of provoking for Spanish Speakers

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