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.
Behind the scenes, Beijing has been wary of being seen to openly violate sanctions, which could provoke Washington’s wrath and damage its relations with other Gulf states.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
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
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
This was a big mistake—probably the very response that Ferdinand had been trying to provoke, so that he could represent the Protestants as unruly troublemakers.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
Vocabulary lists containing provoke
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Bud, Not Buddy
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Unit 1: Telling Details
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