provoking
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of 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.
Thrust back into the front line by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, infectious disease experts have to balance informing the public about its potential risks without provoking undue fear of a Covid-scale pandemic.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
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
Meg drew her aside, under pretense of pinning up a loose braid, and said approvingly, “It was dreadfully provoking, but you kept your temper, and I’m so glad, Jo.”
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
