1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 provocation
China is often accused by U.S. allies of provocations in the South China Sea—where China's sovereignty claims overlap with those of several neighbors.
—
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Without the requisite thought and care, though, those themes land as empty provocation, or — as is the case here — a cheap narrative shortcut.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Christians face constant provocation, and there is a widespread sense of insecurity.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
And there is one more tool always available to Trump’s critics on the continent: provocation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Without the requisite thought and care, though, those themes land as empty provocation, or — as is the case here — a cheap narrative shortcut.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025
Christians face constant provocation, and there is a widespread sense of insecurity.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
And there is one more tool always available to Trump’s critics on the continent: provocation.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
The Atlanta rapper was finally released from jail last November, and Mariah couldn’t contain her excitement.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
10 Apr. 2025
-
But there’s no shortage of sporting excitement this summer, thanks to Bermuda’s popular pastime, cricket.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trump says tariffs will force other countries to lower their own rates on U.S. goods and services, creating a more balanced economic playing field for U.S. exports and a strong incentive for companies to manufacture goods such as cars inside the U.S. to avoid paying the tax.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
-
As such, there is little incentive for non-citizens to try to vote, Levitt said.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.—
Alison Bringé,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
In return the buying club would receive Ferguson’s attendance at every home and away match as well as phonecalls offering encouragement to the team’s manager and players.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In the gripping Prime Video action-thriller G20, family becomes both motivation and lifeline amid political mayhem.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
-
However, right now, renters aren’t experiencing that kind of motivation.—
Daryl Fairweather,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share