provoking

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.

Its strategy, which has a narrow margin for error, depends on sustaining pressure without provoking overwhelming retaliation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

For one group of moms, the threatened Los Angeles Unified School District strike that would shutter campuses next week is provoking outright fear.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

According to the study, this engineered transplant can promote bone healing without provoking strong immune reactions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

After the game, Benfica boss Jose Mourinho effectively blamed the player himself for provoking the situation.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

He and Julie had an uneasy peace going, with neither of them saying very much for fear of provoking the other.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer