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
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Recent Examples of provoking
Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Eclectic and thought-provoking, these films ask urgent questions about our past, present and future, alongside deeply personal stories of resilience and triumph.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
However, opponents, including Applied Digital representative Nick Phillips, said nondisclosure agreements enable early discussions without provoking the public about a project that may never move forward.
—Makenzie Huber, States Newsroom, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Eclectic and thought-provoking, these films ask urgent questions about our past, present and future, alongside deeply personal stories of resilience and triumph.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
For the Mexican government, the battle against the cartels risks provoking violence across the country, as gang members retaliate against the security forces and battle each other.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
However, opponents, including Applied Digital representative Nick Phillips, said nondisclosure agreements enable early discussions without provoking the public about a project that may never move forward.
—Makenzie Huber, States Newsroom, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
The provocative, genre-defying horror flick boasts unhinged gore, a delightfully dark sense of humor, Madigan as the creepiest aunt ever, and a crowd-pleasing finale.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
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Contrarian doesn’t quite describe me; my rejection of The Pitt isn’t an attempt to appear provocative or argumentative.—
Anna Holmes,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In fact, the director was egging me on, encouraging me to go further with the hunching and muttering.—
Andrew Martin,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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Benevolent Venus complements rule-minded Saturn in your 11th House of Friendship, encouraging clear agreements with your teams and friends.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Sinomine Resource Group are also constructing lithium sulfate plants tied to their Zimbabwean mines, raising questions about whether the country is building an independent refining sector or simply deepening its role inside China’s battery ecosystem.—
Ray Mwayera,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Unlike chatbots that simply respond to prompts, AI agents can take proactive actions, which often require broader access to data and systems, raising privacy and security concerns.—
Evelyn Cheng,Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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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
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Mowing regularly and at the proper height promotes a lush, dense lawn by stimulating root growth and lateral shoot development.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Another benefit of cutting rates would be stimulating the purchase of steel-heavy purchases like appliances and cars, Kopf said.—
Brian Cheung,
NBC news,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After Hamas attacked Israel, on October 7, 2023, triggering a broad Israeli military campaign in Gaza, Israel killed Hamas leaders and decimated its military capabilities.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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Duke's Malibu Duke's reopening timeline was pushed back several times after heavy rain soaked the bare hillsides, triggering mudslides throughout the burn scar, some of which filled the restaurant's property.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mix flour and remaining 1/4 cup Guinness, stirring until smooth.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
9 Mar. 2026
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Versatile enough for a variety of cooking applications, wooden spoons are a staple to have in the kitchen, and this set includes 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes perfect for stirring a big pot of soup, sautéing veggies, or mixing up cake batters.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But ever since Ticketmaster and Live Nation merged in 2010, the companies have been accused of promoting anticompetitive behaviors.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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One Russian dancer posted a video of someone removing a Marty Supreme poster to reveal a poster promoting a performance of Swan Lake.—
Chloe Angyal,
Time,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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