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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
For the incoming national security team, addressing Chinese provocations in the Indo-Pacific while managing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe will prove challenging.
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Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Russian pogroms often flared during moments of political crisis amid rumors that Jews had committed provocations, Ms. Bemporad said.
—Marc Tracy, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Touchy Mars in Cancer opposes harsh Pluto in Capricorn, sending provocations flying.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2024
Kamala Harris' stance on Transgender Rights Harris, meanwhile, has largely refrained from engaging directly with Trump's provocations but has countered his mischaracterizations.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation 
Rush Doshi, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2024
Russian pogroms often flared during moments of political crisis amid rumors that Jews had committed provocations, Ms. Bemporad said.
—Marc Tracy, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Touchy Mars in Cancer opposes harsh Pluto in Capricorn, sending provocations flying.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2024
Kamala Harris' stance on Transgender Rights Harris, meanwhile, has largely refrained from engaging directly with Trump's provocations but has countered his mischaracterizations.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
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Pop-up shops, interactive installations and brand activations can generate excitement and buzz, offering unique and memorable moments that forge deeper relationships with consumers.Yuriy Boykiv, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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But when the special guests arrived, chaperoned by a flight attendant, the children couldn't contain their excitement, as the VIPs were each of the girls' Elf on the Shelf.Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Tax incentives are provided by certain state administrations to advance research and development in the sphere.Prasanna Kumar, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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Spain offers multiple funding opportunities and incentives.Patrick Frater, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The massive stimulus spending that dulled the worst effects of COVID-19 and helped speed the recovery were also prime factors in the runaway inflation that came on the other side of the crisis.Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
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Lost in all the talk around tariffs is the news that China announced a new stimulus package.Michael Foster, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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What was the impetus for the flag on the Stankonia cover?Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
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The true impetus for their overhaul, however, was climate-related.Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Muir offered the Lang brothers words of encouragement.Eric Noll, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024
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Children may need extra encouragement while playing with other children, or even alone at home.Taylor Grothe, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In thriving learning cultures—those rich in motivation, curiosity, and collaboration—AI has the potential to enhance learning.Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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In this exclusive trailer drop, Kinzinger can be seen outlining his motivations.Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near provocation
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
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