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.

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

This provocation sets the narrative in motion, framed by Garbus’ choice to illustrate the children’s ambitions by animating them as pieces on a game board modeled after Monopoly.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

The South Korean military is ready to "respond overwhelmingly to any provocation," JCS added.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

On a second watch, “Sirāt” became a philosophical provocation — a movie that questions everything we believe about family and security and community and faith.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

His pugnacious tone indicated that they were not about to laugh at Xenophilius, despite the clear provocation.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling