Topic: Antonyms, Subject: English Grammar (ইংরেজি গ্রামার)

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The term "provoke" refers to stimulating a reaction or inciting someone to feel a strong emotion, often negative, such as anger or irritation. To "provoke" typically means to instigate or challenge someone, leading to heightened emotional responses. In contrast, "soothe" represents the act of calming, comforting, or alleviating discomfort and tension.

When we look for antonyms of "provoke," we seek words that convey the opposite effect: to reduce intensity or to foster peace rather than conflict. "Soothe" perfectly fits this description, as it signifies actions taken to ease feelings, restoring tranquility instead of inciting agitation.

On the other hand, "anger" is closely related to "provoke," as it signifies the emotional response that is often elicited by provocation. "Encourage" implies support or empowerment but does not inherently oppose provocational actions. "Express" refers to conveying feelings or thoughts, which is not directly related to the act of provoking or calming. Therefore, "soothe" stands out clearly as the correct antonym for "provoke."