unprovoked

adjective

un·​pro·​voked ˌən-prə-ˈvōkt How to pronounce unprovoked (audio)
: occurring without any identifiable cause or justification : not provoked
an unprovoked assault/attack
unprovoked anger

Examples of unprovoked in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
William Blount, 61, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years to life in prison for the unprovoked attack on Nina Rothschild. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 10 July 2025 According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bitten in unprovoked attacks last year. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 8 July 2025 In unprovoked attacks, the owner can face minor misdemeanor charges for failure to confine the dog and or failure to register the dog. Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Graham advises calling a vet if a rabbit suddenly starts to demonstrate unprovoked aggression in a previously gentle rabbit. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unprovoked

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unprovoked was in 1534

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Cite this Entry

“Unprovoked.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unprovoked. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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