provoke

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.

Every kennel here is full when we visit and many of them are covered by screens, because some of the dogs are so volatile our presence could provoke them.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

But before the U.S. launched its airstrikes, the Gulf governments had been resisting the prospect of a U.S. attack, fearing that it could provoke a regional conflict that would envelop them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

But know that whatever you say or do, however benign, can be weaponized to provoke a reaction, and as much as we try, everyone has their breaking point.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

I’m not sure what would provoke anyone to tune in, but like clockwork, the viewership billowed to the thousands.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Knowing that punishing Louie would only provoke his defiance, Louise took a surreptitious route toward reforming him.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand