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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provoke
Flores makes this explicit from the first scene, in which Neftalí puts on a piece of music that provokes an out-of-body reverie.
—
David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025
Jubilee Media is a first of its kind studio that creates content aimed at provoking understanding and fostering human connection across both sides of the political and ideological spectrum.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
The president has said the heads of executive branch agencies should share his administration's objectives, but the firings may have also been aimed at provoking these very legal challenges, with the ultimate goal of addressing the question to the Supreme Court.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
But the bigger picture here is that media, entertainment and tech companies are facing a pivotal moment in the second Trump era, and many are choosing to try to placate the new administration rather than provoke more ire.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025
Jubilee Media is a first of its kind studio that creates content aimed at provoking understanding and fostering human connection across both sides of the political and ideological spectrum.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
The president has said the heads of executive branch agencies should share his administration's objectives, but the firings may have also been aimed at provoking these very legal challenges, with the ultimate goal of addressing the question to the Supreme Court.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
But the bigger picture here is that media, entertainment and tech companies are facing a pivotal moment in the second Trump era, and many are choosing to try to placate the new administration rather than provoke more ire.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provoke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoke
Verb
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Provide opportunities for professional growth, encourage open feedback, and show appreciation for hard work.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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Applications encouraged from people of color, women, and/or veterans 5.—
Shimite Obialo,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Costco raised membership prices in September 2024 for the first time since 2017.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
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The late actress first met Reubens in the 1970s after joining the sketch comedy troupe the Groundlings, based in Los Angeles, where she was born and raised, per Extra.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The other key plot point is Farrah’s use of stroboscopic light therapy to stimulate brain activity and neural responses.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Feb. 2025
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Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime, and there should be no exposure to electronic devices emitting blue light.—
Arielle Tschinkel,
Parents,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Canadian prosecutor wanted a tough sentence (the minimum was seven years), arguing that the Rolling Stones’ lyrics promoted drug use.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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This is the second edition of this competition, with the first running from 2019-23 between seven teams, with Scotland winning while Papua New Guinea was relegated and Canada was promoted.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The arrival in town of Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
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That year, the real estate dealings of two ministers, involving government bungalows, also stirred controversy.—
Nicholas Yong,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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According to a 1958 law, companies looking to introduce a new food additive into the food supply are supposed to file a petition with the FDA, triggering a lengthy process of scientific investigation and public comment.—
Juhohn Lee,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2025
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Freed were three Israeli men seized from the Nova music festival and another taken while visiting family in southern Israel during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the 16-month war in Gaza.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
arkansasonline.com,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The brain perceives inevitable crises and uncertainties as a threat to our survival, instantly arousing fight-or-flight reactions.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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On the other hand, Harry is acting shady enough to arouse some suspicions.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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An August 2024 report released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused NED of promoting coups, rigging elections, promoting false information, and otherwise inciting division globally.—
Robert Schmad,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
15 Feb. 2025
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This proposal, which amounts to a call for ethnic cleansing, would strip the Palestinians of even more land and undoubtedly incite a violent response from Hamas.—
Mike Quigley,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoke. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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