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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

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

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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
But not all of Mustard Service’s songs are meant to be so thought-provoking. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 1 Sep. 2026 The event will bring together Orange County’s business community for a thought-provoking discussion, networking opportunities and an awards ceremony honoring visionary leaders. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 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
  • Even the film’s potentially provocative examination of open marriages falls by the wayside, replaced by an increasingly strained subplot involving Haru contending with Mila’s unexpected arrival.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The panel wrapped with a provocative audience question from an NBCUniversal exec who asked the panel what the best path forward for her company would be.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of provocative
Verb
  • The Libra Sun opposes Neptune across your social and creative zones, encouraging big ideas, romantic possibilities, or group enthusiasm.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Culpo continued encouraging other expecting moms not to worry about weight gain.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • Eckhart disputed the network’s explanation and alleged she was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about harassment and a toxic workplace.
    — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Leaders with bold strategic plans, meaningful missions and capable teams … who are somehow still raising roughly the same dollars year after year.
    — Sherry Quam Taylor, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 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
  • Kratom can produce either stimulating or sedating effects, depending on the dosage taken, and can produce psychotic symptoms, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Indeed, European funds have been fundamental for Spain, and the Recovery Plan has played a key role in driving major structural reforms and stimulating economic growth.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Verb
  • Initial analysis suggests global warming exacerbated the melting of the glacier that snapped off in August, triggering flash floods.
    — Mamita Bhandari, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Eight gunmen then stormed the compound, triggering a 20-hour gunbattle that killed at least 21 people, most of them police officers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of triggering
Verb
  • Cook saag over medium-low heat, stirring often, until heated through (do not bring to a simmer or saag may split).
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Venus in your career zone forms an awkward connection to Uranus in your playful 5th house, stirring tension between what looks polished and what actually feels interesting.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of stirring
Verb
  • If dozens of countries are promoting electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure and electrification in general, that can help in the fight against climate change, Jackson added.
    — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This could look like investing in and promoting internal subject-matter experts, documenting best practices, creating subject-matter Centers of Excellence and embedding that expertise directly into workflows.
    — Srinivas Velamoor, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of promoting

Browse Nearby Words

provokes
provoking
prowess
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Cite this Entry

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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