provokes

verb

Definition of provokesnext
present tense third-person singular of provoke
1
as in encourages
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 raises
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
  1. encourages
  2. raises
  3. stimulates
  4. promotes
  5. stirs
  6. inspires
  7. cultivates
Verb
  • By prioritizing active listening, leaders can cultivate a more inclusive work environment that encourages diverse viewpoints and strengthens outcomes.
    Michael Horowitz, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Lake County’s Adopt-a-Lake program encourages local civic organizations, individuals and business groups to adopt a segment of a lake’s shoreline and is somewhat similar to the county’s Adopt-a-Roadway program.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • But the study demonstrates how competition raises the stakes of getting lucky early in life, says Robin Snyder, a theoretical ecologist at Case Western Reserve University who wasn't involved in the research.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Yet the possibility of preemptively pardoning people who have not been charged of any crimes raises a host of legal concerns that could sway Biden not to take action.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Definition of raises
Verb
  • This stimulates autophagy and detox enzymes, resulting in a deep cleansing of the cells and tissue.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
  • However, the treatment stimulates the production of collagen and the growth of smoother, more even skin.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • That promotes healthy rainfall patterns and keeps the hydrological cycle moving.
    Dan Lambe, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Intel also promotes a vast ecosystem of more than 200 independent software vendors developing commercial applications and services tailored to its platform.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the lead character has to deal with his parents, sister, a new friend at school and a peculiar older boy who stirs perplexing feelings in him.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Even an eventual death in the family stirs no major histrionics.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 21 Dec. 2024
Definition of stirs
Verb
  • Focus on producing content that entertains, educates or inspires, and take advantage of trending sounds and hashtags to expand reach.
    Tony Pec, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • This is critical as stakeholders demand ethical leadership that inspires trust and inclusion.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • Leaders must communicate a compelling vision that not only draws in top talent, but also cultivates a workplace culture that supports long-term engagement.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • By fostering an environment where team members feel valued and heard, Tesla cultivates a culture of accountability and excellence.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of cultivates
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near provokes

provokers

provokes

provoking

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Cite this Entry

“Provokes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provokes. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provokes

Nglish: Translation of provokes for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of provokes for Arabic Speakers

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