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.
It would be easy to take Emma’s confession as a simple cinematic provocation, a tone-deaf narrative device intended to make viewers squirm in their seats.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
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
Seoul's presidential Blue House condemned the launches as a "provocation that violates United Nations Security Council resolutions" and urged Pyongyang to immediately stop such acts.
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
None of us could figure out the provocation, but that did not matter.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing provocation
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Call of the Wild
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: September 10 - 16, 2017
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!