# proofing vs provoking

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### proofing
*noun · IPA /ˈpɹuːfɪŋ/ · frequency rank #38,112*
A step in creating yeast breads and baked goods, during which the yeast is allowed to leaven the dough.

### provoking
*adjective · frequency rank #15,682*
annoying; irritating

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/proofing-vs-provoking