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
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
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.
—Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
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
Joy Randolph, Brad Pitt Minority Report (2002) Minority Report is one of Steven Spielberg's most thought-provoking films — in every sense of the phrase.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
When Russia, another strategic partner, invaded Ukraine in 2022, China stopped short of condemning Moscow or opposing the war, instead parroting Russian narrative of blaming on the United States and its NATO allies for provoking the conflict.
—Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
Tyler brought the same provocative, chaotic self-expression into his solo career in 2009 with the mixtape Bastard, then broke into Billboard’s top five with his studio albums Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013) Cherry Bomb (2015) and Flower Boy (2017).—
Matt Craig,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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However, a highlight was a measured but provocative speech from Monet about mentorship, nepotism and gatekeeping in the music industry.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
29 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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Along with her late husband, the pair founded VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit dedicated to raising social awareness and aiding community causes in Boston, federal prosecutors said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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During the 2020 campaign, Joe Biden proposed raising the corporate tax rate.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 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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More than two-thirds believe business investment will be stronger in 2026 than in 2025, likely the result of huge spending on artificial intelligence, but also tax changes stimulating investment.—
Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages.—
Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If the offset resumed, some taxpayers would see their refunds reduced or eliminated, likely triggering headaches at the IRS, too, even though the IRS does not control offset decisions.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
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The victims, all elementary school students, got into difficulty in a frozen pond in Bonham, a city about 60 miles northeast of Dallas, triggering a desperate effort by their mother and a neighbor to save them, FOX 4 reported.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Bring to a gentle simmer; cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed, until flavors meld, 10–15 minutes.—
Chris Morocco,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered without stirring.—
Kelly Brant,
arkansasonline.com,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The build has felt oddly subdued for much of the month, largely because the focus shifted toward promoting the quarterly Peacock special instead.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The conversations around politics were largely unfolding at panels, such as the American Civil Liberties Union event attended by DuVernay, and as the stars were promoting their films on red carpets ahead of their premieres.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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