Standard Lemma guide

provoker

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A person who provokes.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: (sometimes synonymous) provocateur, provocant, provocator; (other) troublemaker, agitator, inciter, gadfly, button pusher, goader, iconoclast, shit-stirrer, shit disturber, shitmonger

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: provocateur, provocant, provocator, troublemaker, agitator, inciter, gadfly, button pusher, goader, iconoclast, shit-stirrer, shit disturber, shitmonger

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

someone who deliberately foments trouble

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • she was the instigator of their quarrel

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: instigator, inciter, instigant, firebrand

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: troublemaker, trouble maker, troubler, mischief-maker, bad hat

Narrower terms: ringleader

History

Etymology

From Middle English provoker, equivalent to provoke + -er.