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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

"We will act responsibly, without escalating the conflict or provoking disputes," Lai said in a Facebook post.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

“How provoking you are! I don’t approve of cigars and I will only allow it on condition that you let me put you into my sketch. I need a figure.”

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