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provokes

  • present tense form of provoke (3rd person singular).

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.

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Truly creative and inspiring art undermines that goal, because it provokes responses like empathy and critical thinking in audiences — which gets in the way of authoritarian domination.

From Salon Jul. 20, 2026

But whether they found it indispensable or utterly disgusting, it was clear that ranch provokes strong opinions, which is essential for success in the attention economy.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 17, 2026

For the past decade or so, there has been an international football star whose name provokes a smile of recognition among residents of a south of Scotland town.

From BBC Jul. 3, 2026

The romantic element of Sondheim’s score is best captured in the gorgeous singing of Chris Hunter’s Anthony Hope, whose crooning of “Johanna” provokes an epidemic of goosebumps throughout La Mirada Theatre.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 3, 2026

I’ll see whether that provokes something—an unnatural response, any kind of reaction.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins