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 Along with their organization’s missions, the pair picked horror because of the conversations the genre provokes. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 Another question, says Professor Trotti at Ithaca College, is whether a public execution portrays strength or provokes horror. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026 In deceptively plain diction, the hurdle of one love relationship provokes an exploration of desire and belonging. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026 The development provokes a leadership shake-up on both committees, prompting speculation on who will fill the spots when the next Congress opens in January. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026 The rooms were part of Kusama’s ongoing exploration of self-obliteration and her career-long ambition to create work that provokes a keen awareness of both one’s individual insignificance and place in the wider cosmic system. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Now, new research reveals this kind of high-intensity training provokes a remarkably robust response throughout the bloodstream. — Will Stone, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026 The film starts in nature, and the whole experience provokes ideas and inspires something closer to poetry than nostalgia. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026 The second provokes disappointment, but both provide closure. — Alejandro Cárdenas Villa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provokes
  1. encourages
  2. raises
  3. stimulates
  4. promotes
  5. stirs
  6. triggers
  7. inspires
  8. incites
Verb
  • Meta encourages its users to name their AIs—and encourages its AIs to think like humans.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Scott-Chandler says assistance will be available for those who qualify and encourages families not to hesitate to seek help.
    — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of encourages
Verb
  • That raises practical questions about safety and accessibility, along with concerns about jobs.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, deadly Russian attacks continue, as Ukraine raises concerns about cracks in support from the US.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of raises
Verb
  • As the cooling metal tool depuffs swollen tissues and stimulates microcirculation, the peptide-rich cream works beneath the surface to rebuild structural volume.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Stronger muscles put more tension on the bones, which stimulates greater bone cell turnover.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stimulates
Verb
  • Massaging it into the scalp promotes growth (stimulating blood flow to the area is how the magic happens), while applying it through the lengths reduces breakage and smoothes each strand for a silky, frizz-free finish.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dietary fiber helps add bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
    — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of promotes
Verb
  • Skeleton Tree at Rumi’s Kitchen Perfect for the midnight cocktail hour, Rumi’s stirs together a black Manhattan with Persian spice.
    — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Watching polygamous families, Surya says, stirs pity, judgment and empathy in her, as well as fascination with the camaraderie, rivalry and sisterhood between the women.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of stirs
Verb
  • Now, his firing triggers a buyout package of around $12 million, according to Yahoo's Ross Dellenger.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Endurance testing Heating the material triggers a chemical reaction that removes loose chlorine ions and forms strong bonds between indium, oxygen, and phosphorus.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of triggers
Verb
  • The memories of their cozy kitchen inspires me to spend even more time in my own kitchen.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Like the Lego brand, Daft Punk inspires generations through creativity, innovation, and a deep connection with fans.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • Every day, there’s seemingly some new report or rumor that incites the social media machine.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • 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
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 28 Oct. 2026.

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