1
as in to encourage
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to raise
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
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 provoke
All being well, The New Yorker can be expected to provoke any future historians with its mettle, its range, its vexing quirks, and the fizz of its curiosity.
—
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The new platform, by contrast, would rely on a more traditional method of vaccine development, which uses inactivated viruses to provoke an immune response.
—Christina Jewett, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The scene seems designed to provoke — perhaps deliberately playing into the charges of misogyny that have often been leveled at Mamet — as Gene dismantles Henry’s reasons to trust the counselor.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The new platform, by contrast, would rely on a more traditional method of vaccine development, which uses inactivated viruses to provoke an immune response.
—Christina Jewett, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The scene seems designed to provoke — perhaps deliberately playing into the charges of misogyny that have often been leveled at Mamet — as Gene dismantles Henry’s reasons to trust the counselor.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025
These tales were layered, open to interpretation, and meant to provoke reflection and herein lies their enduring power.
—Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
-
Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
Essential Utilities on Monday posted first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $784 million, encouraging Janney Montgomery Scott analyst Michael Gaugler to reiterate a buy rating.—
Darla Mercado, CFP®,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
The fundraiser is to be held Tuesday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Smyth raised $34,000 in campaign contributions, the Nancy on Norwalk website reports, in the first four weeks after announcing her candidacy in March.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2025
-
Users can effortlessly raise it out of the water without compromising its sleek appearance, thanks to the incorporated retrieving handle.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
Aeration stimulates new growth to cover areas damaged by fairy rings.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
-
Zaria Court is designed to stimulate local economies, creating jobs not only in sports but also in surrounding sectors, from retail to hospitality.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
When included as part of a balanced diet, soy foods can promote muscle growth, protect heart health, and support weight management.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
13 May 2025
-
Picking out a new plant, joining a Facebook group about gardening, and sharing your harvest with friends, family or neighbors, can all promote the social aspect of gardening and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 May 2025
-
Promoting Marina without discussing it with him first makes Lara look like she’s known about Marina’s greatness all along, without giving the captain credit for stirring the department in the right direction.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
The question is what might be triggering the response in some patients but not others.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
But there are also a few tells that the View is a place catering to locals—or, at least, a place where locals might not have their anti-touristic allergies triggered.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
Verb
-
For instance, men tend to be aroused by new partners, while women often crave new experiences with the same partner.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Murder by Antifreeze: How a Mother and Daughter Plotted to Kill Their Family Members – One at a Time The pastor said his suspicions were aroused when Shaun, who seemed healthy, died, and Diane seemed unfazed by it.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Palestinians are also subject to charges of inciting violence over social media.—
Lynzy Billing,
The Dial,
6 May 2025
-
Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in gradually projecting influence over their Azeri cousins in the Azeri province of northern Iran, ultimately with a view to inciting secession.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share