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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 Taliban government repeatedly maintains that its territory is not being used to threaten the security of any country, and that Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan are "unprovoked".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

But California stood out in another way: It had the nation’s only unprovoked fatal shark attack in 2025.

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

Despite video evidence showing the unprovoked attack, Oliva was barred from suing his assailants because Section 1983 doesn’t apply to federal officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

In New Hampshire there has not been an unprovoked fatal attack on a human by a bear since 1784.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing unprovoked

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