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Definitions

unprovoked

ADJECTIVE
gratuitous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless groundless needless superfluous unfounded unjustified unwarranted wanton
WEAK
assumed bottomless causeless indefensible inessential reasonless supererogatory uncalled-for unessential unmerited unsupportable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
called-for grounded justified necessary needed proven warranted
WEAK
deserved
ADJECTIVE
groundless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless false flimsy gratuitous illogical illusory unfounded unjustified unsupported unwarranted
WEAK
bottomless causeless chimerical empty foundationless idle imaginary unauthorized uncalled-for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
correct genuine justified real reasonable right substantiated warranted
WEAK
called-for grounded proven
ADJECTIVE
unwarranted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
baseless gratuitous groundless indefensible inexcusable unconscionable undue unfair unfounded unjust unjustifiable unjustified unreasonable
WEAK
foundationless uncalled-for ungrounded unwarrantable wrong
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excusable fair just justifiable justified proven reasonable sensible unprejudiced warranted
WEAK
called-for
ADJECTIVE
wanton
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arbitrary gratuitous needless senseless unjust unjustifiable unjustified vicious willful
STRONG
contrary double-crossing evil mean
WEAK
accidentally on purpose groundless inconsiderate malevolent merciless motiveless ornery perverse spiteful unasked uncalled-for unfair wayward wicked
Antonyms
STRONGEST
needed rational reasonable
WEAK
careful clean decent gentle kind moral nice observant righteous thoughtful wise

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.

"The messages, the call, the letter – all completely unprovoked, deeply unpleasant and no doubt did have the impact on the victims."

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The FPA called on the police to "immediately take action against the officers involved in this unprovoked assault and to act in the future to safeguard press freedoms, rather than trample upon them."

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Researchers recorded 65 unprovoked shark bites worldwide last year, slightly below the 10-year average of 72, but an increase from 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

I think they’re waiting for something that they can pitch plausibly as a completely unprovoked act of violence, or interference by a local or state law enforcement officer.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

Although I do not believe Jaja would do something like that unprovoked, I have no other version of the story because Jaja will not talk to me about it.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Vocabulary lists containing unprovoked

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