provoke

Definition for provoke

verb as in make angry

Strongest matches

aggravate, anger, enrage, foment, incite, inflame, infuriate, irk, irritate, offend, raise

Strong matches

abet, abrade, affront, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, exercise, fret, gall, get, grate, incense, insult, madden, nag, perturb, pique, rile, roil, ruffle, set, upset, vex

Weak matches

get on one's nerves, get under one's skin, hit where one lives, make blood boil, make waves, put out, set on, try one's patience, whip up, work into lather, work up

verb as in start, evoke; stimulate

Strongest matches

arouse, bring about, cause, elicit, galvanize, generate, incite, induce, inflame, inspire, instigate, kindle, lead to, motivate, precipitate, prompt, stir

Strong matches

animate, awaken, begin, bestir, challenge, electrify, enthuse, excite, fire, innervate, make, move, occasion, pique, prime, produce, promote, quicken, rally, rouse, thrill, titillate, titivate, waken, whet

Weak matches

bring down, bring on, bring to one's feet, build up, call forth, draw forth, fire up, give rise to, innerve, roust, suscitate

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In August last year, seven TikTokers were sentenced to six months in prison by a court in the capital, Mogadishu, for provoking civil unrest and spreading immorality.

From BBC

Professors and journalists, too, are facing punishment for their comments, provoking a debate over so-called cancel culture.

From BBC

And no series provoked more of an emotional response this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Russia and Iran have both been named by French intelligence as countries liable to provoke dissension in France through "dirty tricks".

From BBC

The planned merger is likely to provoke anxiety about long-term prospects among staff.

From BBC

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provoke

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