provoking 1 of 2

provoking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of provoke
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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
Adam Crafton’s interview with him was thought-provoking. Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 Friday might pose a thought-provoking question. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
Benefits Premium access to exclusive events, thought-provoking conversations with global leaders and more, all available on-demand. Forbes Membership, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 McCarthy and his cronies engineered a hysteria over left-wing ideologies and their sympathizers, encouraging tactics like loyalty oaths and provoking paranoia over a suggestion that communist spies were omnipresent in America. Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
  • In some instances, demonstrators have displayed provocative props such as a guillotine to symbolize opposition to federal actions.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The Valiant is an incredibly provocative car.
    Morgan Korn, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The idea behind the guide was that encouraging people to take more road trips would increase the demand for tires.
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Through his work, Strachan examines histories often overlooked in mainstream narratives, particularly those connected to the Black diaspora, encouraging viewers to reconsider which histories are celebrated and how they are represented.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Experts at Sweetbriar said the effort was not just about saving one insect but also about raising awareness.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The beloved actor, 99, recently reflected on his life’s work while hosting Vandy High Tea, a charity event raising funds to benefit The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is currently in development, alongside his wife, Arlene Silver.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 20 May 2025
  • The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024
Verb
  • The vaccine combines two immune-stimulating molecules (adjuvants) in a tiny lipid nanoparticle that enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025
  • From removing buildup to stimulating circulation and keeping your complexion vibrant and balanced, estheticians often recommend monthly facials as necessary maintenance for your skin.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The man said no, triggering a mistrial on the rape count.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Through perseverance, the seed discovers the power of her roots, triggering a revolution that transforms her world and fulfills her dreams in an unexpected way.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add pasta, and cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions until tender.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Under the pretense of a back-to-school rules review, the sophomore through senior classes at Ruskin were treated to a stirring drumline performance before a shocked Sixta took the the stage.
    Ilana Arougheti Updated October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milei instead relied on the IMF’s guidance for promoting fiscal discipline.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Leo will soon embark on his first international trip, visiting Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to focus on promoting peace in the Middle East.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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