provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv 
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
a provocative question
provocative
noun
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of provocative in a Sentence
a thoughtful and provocative book
It was one of his more provocative suggestions.
She was wearing a very provocative outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noel King We were reminded in the first half of our show that Donald Trump has actually been talking about Greenland in provocative ways since 2019.
—
Avishay Artsy, Vox, 25 Jan. 2025
Sign up for the Race/Related Newsletter Join a deep and provocative exploration of race, identity and society with New York Times journalists.
—Erica L. Green, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
However, with provocative policies already lining up from the incoming US administration, there are concerns that this year will see periods of turbulence and volatility.
—Daniel Webber, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Disputes are not only normal but necessary — a notion the always provocative Jimpa takes impish delight in testing.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
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Avishay Artsy, Vox, 25 Jan. 2025
Sign up for the Race/Related Newsletter Join a deep and provocative exploration of race, identity and society with New York Times journalists.
—Erica L. Green, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
However, with provocative policies already lining up from the incoming US administration, there are concerns that this year will see periods of turbulence and volatility.
—Daniel Webber, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Disputes are not only normal but necessary — a notion the always provocative Jimpa takes impish delight in testing.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provocative
Articles Related to provocative
Dictionary Entries Near provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Medical Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasm—The Journal of the American Medical Association
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