provokes

verb

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

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 provokes The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash. — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026 This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 His jealousy provokes an act of betrayal and cruelty. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 June 2026 But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity. — Elisa Wouk Almino editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 The visual effect provokes strikes, but the vibrations also stimulate the receptors in a bass's lateral line. — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026 Such a statistic often provokes a familiar gamut of responses from those who read it, from shock, disgust and anger to a debilitating sense of helplessness. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 3 June 2026 At work, Paige (Elle Chapman) punches a coworker who provokes her with truly unkind remarks about her father's death. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026 Likewise, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that the bond market will ultimately prove to be the factor that provokes some action from DC when investors begin to demand higher premiums to continue buying debt. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
  1. encourages
  2. raises
  3. stimulates
  4. promotes
  5. stirs
  6. triggers
  7. inspires
  8. incites
Verb
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Kalibrate’s program, according to the lawsuit, encourages gas stations to upload private price data.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • At present, the union is pushing for 11% raises each year for three years — a proposal that the CSU has not yet responded to.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • This close work between the private entity – usually Google – and law enforcement throughout the geofence warrant process raises significant privacy and civil liberties concerns.
    — Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • But medication reduces only the symptoms of fear, not the underlying trigger that stimulates it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • This hormone improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion.
    — Nadine Wehida, Scientific American, 25 June 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • Fiber helps support digestive health, promotes fullness, and may contribute to healthier blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026
  • The Roots 101 African American Museum promotes an understanding and appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans using exhibits, programs, and art, as does the Muhammad Ali Center.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • Cancer June 21 – July 22 This morning stirs feelings close to home.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
  • Atlantic tropics are quiet while Pacific stirs In the Atlantic basin, forecasters are predicting a quiet stretch of weather.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Definition of stirs
Verb
  • Mamdani triggers emergency plan for heat On Monday, June 29, the mayor's office announced the activation of a Heat Emergency plan, preparing cooling centers across the city, alongside other options for New Yorkers stuck outside.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Destruction of mammalian tissues typically triggers a complex mix of responses from the immune and repair systems.
    — Mike McRae June 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2026
Definition of triggers
Verb
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • That being said, be sure to pay attention to what’s pushing your buttons, but also recognize what finally inspires you to charge ahead.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • The rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play in protest.
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • The catalyst of all the tragedy that Bear incites is the One Wish Willow, a kitschy antique toy that promises to grant one (literal) wish for whoever snaps it in half.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Definition of incites

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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of provokes for Spanish Speakers

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