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
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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
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Recent Examples of provoke
To be clear, even though stock markets shrugged at reports of Powell’s imminent firing, the news did provoke some movement in the currency and bond markets.
—
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The Justice Department has also fired a number of prosecutors who worked on cases that have provoked President Donald Trump’s ire, including some who handled U.S. Capitol riot cases and lawyers and support staff who worked on special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutions of Trump.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
Siegel formed Legitimate alongside her long-time manager Brittney McDade as a platform to create artistic and emotionally provoking female-forward content across multiple genres, for both film and television.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
That declaration then provoked a lighthearted feud between the French President and Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
The Justice Department has also fired a number of prosecutors who worked on cases that have provoked President Donald Trump’s ire, including some who handled U.S. Capitol riot cases and lawyers and support staff who worked on special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutions of Trump.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
Siegel formed Legitimate alongside her long-time manager Brittney McDade as a platform to create artistic and emotionally provoking female-forward content across multiple genres, for both film and television.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2025
That declaration then provoked a lighthearted feud between the French President and Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
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During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Money raised will prioritize private residential nursing care, additional support services and ongoing transport and palliative care needs.—
Katie Bain,
Billboard,
15 July 2025
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Attorneys in death penalty cases often raise the issue of past trauma as a mitigating factor for juries to consider when deciding punishment.—
The Marshall Project,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
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But policymakers have so far avoided the mass cash handouts that the U.S. and Hong Kong gave residents to stimulate spending after the pandemic.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
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The bill follows advocacy efforts by TKO, the parent company of UFC and WWE, to stimulate interest in Congress for creating more and better professional opportunities for boxers in the U.S.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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The organization aims to promote local music, art and live experiences that drive community, culture and tourism.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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His connections and insights are expected to play a significant role in promoting the adoption of Camb.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 July 2025
Verb
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That Trump’s name appears in Epstein files the government has not yet publicized has stirred a variety of reactions among his supporters.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
24 July 2025
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The comment quickly stirred debate online—some viewed it as a swipe at Dr. Dre, while others interpreted it as Quik simply affirming his own stature as a production powerhouse whose contributions have long flown under the radar.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Even properties that typically have strict policies often make exceptions in the face of an impending emergency; still, read the fine print, because a looming storm might not be enough to trigger full refunds unless official travel warnings or evacuation orders are in place.—
Skye Sherman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
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This can trigger trading loses, or systemic market risks to insolvency and liquidity, according to S&P Global Ratings.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Rumors of this special berry’s presence on Boysen’s farm, after it had been sold, aroused the curiosity of Walter Knott.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
3 July 2025
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At this moment, your suspicion should be aroused, like hearing three minor keynotes playing in a mystery film.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
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While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Fearmongering, intimidation and threats against judges are growing across social media platforms, often incited by our co-equal branches of government.—
Andre M. Davis,
Baltimore Sun,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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