Find Synonyms

provoke Synonyms

Another word for provoke

Choosing another word for provoke depends on context, so the 20 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To deliberately make someone annoyed, angry, or hostile, often in order to make them react.

Usage Example

"The opposing player tried to goad him into committing a foul during the match."

Strongest
goad
antagonize
incite
Strong
infuriate
enrage
irritate
aggravate
rile
egg on
inflame

• verb (Context 2)

To stimulate or give rise to a strong reaction, emotion, or debate in someone.

Usage Example

"The documentary is intended to arouse a serious discussion about urban housing policies."

Strongest
arouse
evoke
elicit
spark
stir up
Strong
trigger
prompt
instigate
kindle
precipitate

Opposites of provoke

The opposite of provoke shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

appease
pacify
placate
soothe
suppress
stifle
calm
quell
See all opposites of provoke

• Nearby Words

provocatively
provocativeness
provokable
provoke
provokingly
provolone
prow

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Provoke. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/provoke
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