provocation

noun

ˌprä-və-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce provocation (audio)
Definition of provocationnext
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

Example 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 provocation In this go-round, all the franchise’s favorite tricks have lost their impact, and its provocations ring hollow. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 The firing drill, which included North Korea’s first public ballistic missile launches in about three weeks, came a day after the United States, South Korea and Japan wrapped up a trilateral military exercise that North Korea views as a provocation. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 Through deception, provocation, threats, and unexpected movements, a commander can compel the enemy to respond, shifting his forces and exposing vulnerabilities. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026 Casting Johnson was, by Gyllenhaal’s own admission, a provocation. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
  1. excitement
  2. incentive
  3. stimulus
  4. impetus
  5. encouragement
  6. motivation
  7. stimulation
Noun
  • Davide Sgariboldi, general manager at Euroitalia, said that causes excitement.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Erewhon, which launched as a pop-up about a week later, also elicited excitement and some griping, with critics saying the space would be better served by a less expensive option.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excitement
Noun
  • The Port Authority of Kansas City approved incentives for the development earlier this year.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Iowa lawmakers will return to the Statehouse Friday to consider expanding the ceiling on state tax incentives in an effort to secure a $15 billion steel plant project for the state.
    — Hannah Fingerhut, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers have studied how certain facial and auricular stimuli interact with parasympathetic activity.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulus
Noun
  • Yes, money can feel funny right now, and might even be the impetus for some of these changes.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • So there was kind of an ode to that; that was an impetus for this thing.
    — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Sharing stories, experiences, and encouragement creates safe spaces for survivors to begin navigating their own lives.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
  • His work shows how discipline, resilience and encouragement can help young people find their footing.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In her ultra-popular cycling classes, Griffith offers an hour of relief and release, motivation and inspiration.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The signatures of these AI leaders might not reveal much about their intentions or their motivations.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • As for us, we are engaged in the usual ritual of brewing a cuppa stimulation — our choice today is English breakfast — and foraging for items of interest.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Rigid neckbands deliver heat, vibration or electrical stimulation through EMS or TENS-style pulses.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulation

Browse Nearby Words

provocateurs
provocation
provocations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on provocation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about provocation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All