provocation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A disclaimer in Jeffrey Epstein’s email signature was a provocation as much as a warning: The contents of this message “may constitute inside information.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The South Korean military is ready to "respond overwhelmingly to any provocation," JCS added.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

This is a movement that thrives on provocation but panics when that very provocation carries consequences.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

Miller developed his taste for controversy and provocation at a relatively early age.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

His pugnacious tone indicated that they were not about to laugh at Xenophilius, despite the clear provocation.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling