provoking

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​vok·​ing prə-ˈvō-kiŋ How to pronounce provoking (audio)
Synonyms of provokingnext
: causing mild anger : annoying
provokingly adverb

provoking

2 of 2

present participle of provoke

Synonyms of provoking

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Adjective

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Examples of provoking in a Sentence

Adjective the host's provoking opinions are the reason why people tune in to his radio talk show in the first place
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Adjective
Straker, the foul-mouthed, Daily Mail–provoking British chef, has made his way stateside. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 Read Cep’s Profile of Kingsolver » Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books. — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 The proper pose is a strict neutrality — neither agreeing nor provoking — simply seeking the first opportunity to disengage. — Judith Martin, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026 Chiarella has come up with an ingenious premise that is as twisted as it is thought-provoking. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for provoking

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provoking was in 1642

Phrases Containing provoking

Rhymes for provoking

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Browse Nearby Words

provoke
provoking
provola
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Cite this Entry

“Provoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provoking. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

provoking

adjective
pro·​vok·​ing
prə-ˈvō-kiŋ
: causing mild anger : annoying
a provoking delay
provokingly
-kiŋ-lē
adverb
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