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
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
-
Raenah Birdlong, 33, who did not fire any shots, was charged under the provocative act doctrine, meaning her actions led to the death and wounding of the two men, authorities said.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Commentators frame the idea as fanciful or provocative.—
Paul McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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The central bank kept the benchmark interest rate steady in a split 8-1 decision, after raising it to the highest level in 30 years in December, ahead of snap polls that could see Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sharpen her advocacy for monetary easing and fiscal support.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Jan. 2026
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There’s an absent father and a clueless, neglectful mother but the five Gilbert children — Lydia, Hugo, Annabel, Jeremy and Rosalind — are essentially raising themselves in an English country house of secret passages and worrying infestations.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 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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By stimulating it, the device aims to restore healthier brain signaling over time.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Native to the Southeast, its leaves were long-brewed by Indigenous people into a stimulating drink (and a tea is commercially available).—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That same afternoon, the lawyers allege, a call was made to the state’s central registry, triggering a follow-up by the city’s child welfare agency, the Administration for Children’s Services.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2026
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Ice could also weigh down trees and power lines, triggering widespread outages.—
Emilie Megnien,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
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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
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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
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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 24 Jan. 2026.
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