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.
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Just eight days before the vigil, Almontaser had publicly endorsed Mamdani’s new strategy to combat antisemitism—the same initiative that had helped provoke the student protest.
From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026
"Our aim by increasing investment in national defence is not to provoke, rather, it is to deter war," President Lai Ching-te said in speech to celebrate Taiwan's National Day.
From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026
Rather than attempting to lure the animals toward the speaker, the researchers played the sounds loudly enough to provoke a startle response.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026
“Only when the enemies fear us, can they never dare provoke us.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
“Well,” he said, “in any case I don’t propose to be wicked any longer. It is a king's business to prevent bloodshed if be can, not to provoke it.”
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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This John Stewart is purposefully calm and assured, even when Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, an entitled jerk clinging to crusted-over glory, provokes him.
From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2026
But if West provokes a contest now, that rules Burnham out.
From BBC ● May 9, 2026
Ms. Enyedi implicitly provokes such consideration through shots that often put flora in the foreground, with humans reduced to background extras.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
"I understand the anger and fear this provokes, and I will quickly meet with the Jewish community. It must always feel safe in our country," he added.
From Barron's ● Mar. 14, 2026
It's a voice that provokes first irritation and then eagerness.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
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Collage provoked some of Krasner’s strongest works, as we discover later, in larger examples, notable for bold shapes and clear color.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
And Univision Fresno provoked the Valley’s Latino community last year when it canceled a Spanish-language morning show featuring beloved anchor Lupita Lomeli.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
His death – and the speculation over what happened to him in the week between his daylight disappearance and the discovery of his body – became a huge news story that provoked countless unanswered questions.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
The outrage around the campaign echoes that provoked by American Eagle's "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" campaign in 2025.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
"I've brought you dinner. It's the least I can do. I was angry earlier. Claudine provoked me. Forgive me, will you?"
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
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The technology allows users to make calls, interact with AI hands-free and also take photos and videos simply by touching the frames, provoking concerns about privacy.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
They say these molecules may have several practical advantages, including relatively inexpensive production, stability and a low likelihood of provoking an immune response.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 10, 2026
Then two 6-10 players suddenly showed up at Kennedy, provoking a City Section investigation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
Known as an “urchin” bait, the lure is dominating professional competitions, sparking a rush of imitators and provoking shelf-clearing buying frenzies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
“How provoking you are! I don’t approve of cigars and I will only allow it on condition that you let me put you into my sketch. I need a figure.”
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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