Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

provoking

American  
[pruh-voh-king] / prəˈvoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. serving to provoke; causing annoyance.


Other Word Forms

  • provokingly adverb
  • unprovoking adjective
  • unprovokingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of provoking

First recorded in 1520–30; provoke + -ing 2

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.

According to the study, this engineered transplant can promote bone healing without provoking strong immune reactions.

From Science Daily

The study, "Creative problem-solving after experimentally provoking dreams of unsolved puzzles during REM sleep" was published in the journal Neuroscience of Consciousness on Feb. 5.

From Science Daily

Her style is confrontational and seemingly fearless, often provoking hugely divergent reactions from critics and fans.

From Los Angeles Times

"Cinema can do something better, which is provoking empathy."

From BBC

Sir Keir is leaning in, again, to his strategy of avoiding provoking Washington: he said he wanted "calm discussion" involving "mature alliances" but that close allies could disagree and "being pragmatic doesn't mean being passive."

From BBC