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.
According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), 47 people were bit in an unprovoked attack last year and of them, four fatalities took place, including one in the United States. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 4 June 2025 The California Academy of Sciences reported that only 99 unprovoked attacks—almost exclusively involving white sharks—have occurred in the state's history, with an average of 1.8 per year over the past decade. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 The judge overseeing the case described the act as unprovoked and particularly violent, fueled by drugs and heavy drinking, the outlet reported. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 22 May 2025 It's been roughly three years since Russia launched its unprovoked, brutal invasion into Ukraine. Nbc News, NBC news, 18 May 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 12 Jun. 2025.

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