provocations

noun

plural of provocation
1
as in excitements
something that arouses a strong response from another a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in incentives
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 provocations White listeners and white supremacy are always ripe for a dressing down, but there’s no teeth or edge to his provocations anymore. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026 Over the ensuing years, Ben-Gvir continued his provocations. — Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026 But, from the moment that he was sworn in, his fantasies and provocations became American foreign policy. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 But each co-sign now lands differently, refracted through the unresolved fallout of his antisemitic remarks and provocations. — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026 India, despite having lowered tensions with China, still faces the risk of border provocations—and other major challenges—from Beijing. — Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026 There are custom motorcycles, and then there are mechanical provocations—the kind that challenge not only the limits of engineering, but the very definition of what a motorcycle can be. — Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026 Nevertheless, the movie’s influence and filmmaking acumen are undeniable, and any serious horror enthusiast needs to grapple with its provocations. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 Latvian intelligence is warning that Russia is preparing possible provocations against the Baltic states or Poland, including drones or any other hybrid attacks, in an effort to pressure NATO countries to stop supporting Ukraine. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocations
  1. encouragements
  2. incentives
  3. impetuses
  4. motivations
Noun
  • All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.
    — Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
  • In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
Definition of encouragements
Noun
  • Unlike the federal tax credits that expired in September, these incentives offer an instant discount and don’t require buyers to apply for credit later.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of incentives
Noun
  • One of the main impetuses for this is that newer planes are flying further, which means airline routes are getting longer.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 June 2025
Definition of impetuses
Noun
  • The motivations are often more nuanced than the traditional image of online dating suggests.
    — Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Those motivations, and the curiosity behind them, have lingered with me years later.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of motivations

Browse Nearby Words

provocation
provocations
provocative
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Cite this Entry

“Provocations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocations. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocations

Nglish: Translation of provocations for Spanish Speakers

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