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.

There’s a difference between making something provocative and outright, intentional provocation.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

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

Even having made two single-season streaming series in the interim, he has seemingly been missing in action, the absence of his visual flair, bent humor and taste for provocation leaving an empty space in theaters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

These gloves were not for wearing, but for challenging people to duels at the slightest provocation, or for no reason at all.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood