provocation

[prov-uh-key-shuhn] / ˌprɒv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

incitement, stimulus

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affront harassment indignity insult

STRONG

annoyance brickbat cause challenge dare grabber grievance grounds incentive inducement injury instigation justification motivation offense reason taunt vexation

WEAK

bothering casus belli defy irking provoking vexing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment

STRONG

discouragement happiness hindrance pleasure praise

WEAK

prevention repression suppression

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.

And sure, the America-backing crowd delivers fevered chants of “USA! USA!” at any provocation.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2026

And while his screenplay is intentionally incendiary, Tuttle understands that extreme power lies in well-crafted provocation.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

Thousands took part in Tuesday's demonstration following a week of action that President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation."

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

That said, a few words readily available would help connect the dots without undermining the provocation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

But it was a powerful force for me, especially at fourteen, with my nerves bright and jangling, ready to launch into a symphony at the slightest provocation.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Vocabulary lists containing provocation

"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr.

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The Call of the Wild

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This Week in Words: September 10 - 16, 2017

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