provoking

American

[pruh-voh-king] / prəˈvoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

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.

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

After the game, Benfica boss Jose Mourinho effectively blamed the player himself for provoking the situation.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Around the world, the plinks and pops of pickleball have spawned outrage, provoking protests and even lawsuits.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

I say, “Do it however you like,” provoking sullen fury from Jon.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023