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.

A top Iranian official is warning that attacks on the Persian Gulf islands that form Iran’s southern maritime frontier would provoke a new level of retaliation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 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

Many investors are worried that the ongoing conflict with Iran might provoke more volatility in financial markets.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

"Maybe it is only to provoke our nerves, to exhaust us, to kill our patience," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

The words are designed to provoke a reaction—and they do.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly