as in provocative
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in encouraging
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raising
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 provoking
Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025
To other researchers not involved in the project, the images in the paper and the revelations about the tubules’ structure are thought-provoking.
—Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025
The crowd of 73,163 did, too, provoking a delay of game penalty that forced a third-and-long.
—Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoking
Adjective
His biggest critique is not having enough time to answer all the thought-provoking questions that came at the end.
—Verb
This year is extra lively, too, thanks to the moon cruising through chatty Gemini, setting the tone for a night full of curiosity and thought-provoking conversations.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking
Adjective
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That’s the question posed by a provocative ad running ahead of screenings at this year’s Thessaloniki Film Festival, highlighting the dire state of film funding in Greece.—
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This mother makes what the star did in the equally provocative Mother seem like child’s play.—
Verb
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There was a lot to like about Jovic’s performance on Saturday, with Heat veteran guard Norman Powell pushing and encouraging him along the way.—
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Salt-n-Pepa also joined in, and the group of artists concluded the set with a call-and-response moment alongside the crowd, encouraging everyone to scream along.—
Verb
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As chants echoed across the parking lot, cars driving past honked repeatedly, some drivers raising fists or waving through open windows.—
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Beijing last year implemented some export controls on rare earths during trade spats, raising concerns about America’s lack of secure supply chains for these critical materials.—
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
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What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Verb
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Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions.—
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So to ensure that everyone is working in harmony, the exec is revamping the usual chain of command; Colgate’s top leaders are hearing out entry-level staffers, stimulating the flow of ideas between ranks and generations to generate the best possible outcome.—
Verb
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The Telegraph, which has published anti-BBC commentary for years, reported on the existence of the memo on November 3, triggering days of controversy in the United Kingdom.—
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The move comes after a single campus, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, received five straight F ratings, triggering a state law that requires the commissioner to intervene.—
Verb
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Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
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Wider horizons beckon as the emotional Moon lights up your 9th House of Adventure, stirring a desire to broaden your view through meaningful study and conversation.—
Verb
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
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Still, the district put full faith in its current coaches, promoting from within.—
Cite this Entry
“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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