Synonym Chooser

How is the word provoke different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of provoke are exasperate, irritate, nettle, peeve, and rile. While all these words mean "to excite a feeling of anger or annoyance," provoke implies an arousing of strong annoyance that may excite to action.

remarks made solely to provoke her

In what contexts can exasperate take the place of provoke?

The synonyms exasperate and provoke are sometimes interchangeable, but exasperate suggests galling annoyance and the arousing of extreme impatience.

his exasperating habit of putting off needed decisions

When could irritate be used to replace provoke?

While in some cases nearly identical to provoke, irritate implies an often gradual arousing of angry feelings that may range from mere impatience to rage.

constant nagging that irritated me greatly

When is it sensible to use nettle instead of provoke?

The meanings of nettle and provoke largely overlap; however, nettle suggests a sharp but passing annoyance or stinging.

your pompous attitude nettled several people

When might peeve be a better fit than provoke?

The words peeve and provoke can be used in similar contexts, but peeve suggests arousing fretful often petty or querulous irritation.

a toddler peeved at being refused a cookie

When is rile a more appropriate choice than provoke?

Although the words rile and provoke have much in common, rile implies inducing an angry or resentful agitation.

the new work schedules riled the employees

Examples 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 Thoroughly reviewing the voluminous primary and secondary sources, Streeter concludes that the United States was not directly involved in the coup but that Washington helped create a climate of frenzied polarization that provoked the Chilean military’s bloody takeover. Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025 Only time will tell whether the veiled references will be enough to provoke a response from Trump. Update 01/13/25, 12:14: p.m. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 Paranoid inklings provoke questionable behaviors as the moon and Venus square off. USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 Owning 45 per cent of the club with only a 25 per cent say in what happens has proven an issue for both Textor and Palace and provoked this situation to reach a head. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for provoke 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
  • But Wilson said he was encouraged to engage with UCSD students.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Instead, the coach is encouraged by what he’s seen from the mobile blueliner as of late.
    Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Its protagonist struggles to raise a mutant creature while also dealing with nattering in-laws and a mundane job.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The Biden administration asserted that any free speech concerns are superseded by a national security interest over the app’s ties to China, raising alarm that the Chinese government could access Americans’ data or covertly manipulate TikTok’s content algorithm.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Chronic stress, when the sympathetic nervous system doesn’t have a chance to release control, stimulates cortisol production.
    Shani Harmon, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Editor tip: This balm also includes Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) extract to stimulate collagen production to improve texture and bounciness.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s order also rescinded policies that required federal contractors to promote affirmative action and diversity programs—his actions are in line with promises listed in his Agenda 47 platform outlined during his campaign.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Business leaders can play a critical role by promoting policies that prioritize equity and investing in projects that reflect the needs of all citizens.
    Yermys Pena, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The latest catastrophe has stirred particular concern over whether Los Angeles can manage the twin tasks of rebuilding while hosting the Olympics in 2028.
    Adam Nagourney, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Add remaining cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens. 6.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The fire triggered a round of mandatory evacuations in the nearby areas of Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Extensive Russian strikes in western Ukraine will likely trigger more NATO jets being scrambled in the near future.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Mars’ connection to Neptune arouses passions but tempers your ego, empowering you to express your feelings.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
  • With his cop’s instincts aroused, Fok smells a rat and decides to dig deeper into Ma’s case.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Their final report pinned Trump as being at the center of an unlawful campaign to remain in power by pressuring those across government and later inciting a mob of his supporters to storm the Capitol.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Zemmour was convicted multiple times of inciting racist or religious hatred.
    Adriana Gomez Licon, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near provoke

Cite this Entry

“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on provoke

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