PROVOKING Synonyms: 116 Similar and Opposite Words

provoking 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈvō-kiŋ

Definition of provoking

as in provocative

serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

provoking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of provoke

as in encouraging

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in raising

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

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 provoking

Adjective

Ambitious, thought-provoking, thrilling and passionate. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 May 2026 Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Verb

Some analysts warn that instead of provoking discontent, the attacks could fuel stronger anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western fervor. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 The latest in Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor’s series of cinematic essays is a rich and thought- provoking journey through aging, legacy and the intersection between artistic and personal relationships. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provoking

Adjective

Shah has previously made headlines for his fiercely nationalist and provocative posture towards both countries.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 and made provocative statements about race, gender and politics.

— Corey Williams, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of provocative

Verb

Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
The scarcity itself became part of the appeal, encouraging moviegoers to attend early, return for later editions and share the collectibles online.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouraging

Verb

Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of raising

Adjective

The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.

— Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.

— Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

Definition of charged

Verb

Driven by artificial intelligence demand, memory chips are in short supply, pushing prices steadily higher and triggering explosive profit growth for Micron.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Officials are still investigating the exact cause, though preliminary assessments suggest an ice avalanche may have blocked a river upstream in Tibet, triggering the sudden outburst flood.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of triggering

Verb

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until warmed through.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
In a candid Instagram video published Saturday, the Bay Area librarian and social media star updated his social media supporters about his condition, days after stirring concern online and announcing his plans to seek treatment at a hospital.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirring

Verb

Center City Partners is a nonprofit focused on promoting the economic and social growth of Charlotte’s core, which includes uptown, midtown and South End.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
For Pope, the rally is about finding community alongside promoting voting rights.

— Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promoting

Browse Nearby Words

provokes

provoking

prowess

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Style

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provoking. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of provoking

adjective

verb

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