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
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Rather than a centralized indoor location, this institution consists of more than 80,000 square feet of outdoor murals, including colorful and thought-provoking street art and graffiti from artists around the globe.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
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
Verb
On a brighter note, under this thought-provoking transit, networking can become surprisingly fruitful.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Rather than a centralized indoor location, this institution consists of more than 80,000 square feet of outdoor murals, including colorful and thought-provoking street art and graffiti from artists around the globe.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
-
The police did not respond to a list of questions from CNN, including which instructions were not followed, which conduct was suspicious and why possessing a camera is seen as provocative.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
So, what does the provocative British artist have to do with all of this?—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Moon in Sagittarius activates your 3rd House of Communication, encouraging direct expression and clearer exchanges.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
And the petition would need to name the private entity’s president, director or other corporate officer as the preferred guardian, rather than a business name, with the goal of encouraging more personal responsibility.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Walker was also experiencing a mental health issue and was shot after raising a knife.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Several early tests failed, raising questions about the program’s future.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
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
-
Desires run deep on April 28, as Venus in Gemini meets with Pluto in Aquarius, creating one of the most magnetic and intellectually stimulating trines of the season.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Key Takeaways Eating a small handful of arugula before meals may gently support digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and bile.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Innlandet County includes a rural area where two private citizens located a smaller collection of 19 silver coins on April 10, triggering the wider archaeological probe that uncovered thousands more.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Having to rely on someone else’s resources can feel triggering when the moon opposes Chiron.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But those seemed better suited to people who wanted to win hearts and minds through stirring oratory.—
Eli Durst,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Cover salad; chill until flavors meld, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days, stirring occasionally.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
In Church’s day, that separation depended on promoting a robust idea of American innocence over Europe’s enfeebling corruption.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
There is a broader issue of manufacturers selling dangerous products and promoting them with deceptive advertising to lure youth into using their dangerous, ineffective products.—
Jad Abdel Nour,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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