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
The fourth volume and the final word on the provocative speculative fiction series Southern Reach.
—
The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
Virginia Carter, the feminist activist who was hired by Norman Lear to advise him on social issues and marginalized groups, providing insight the famed TV producer would use for plotlines and characterizations in his provocative shows, has died.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024
The provocative Grisham-like legal thriller serves filmgoers with convincing evidence not just that justice is an ambiguous system but that the 94-year-old Oscar-winner can still crank out a smart, entertaining thought-provoker.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
But Tarantino views these provocative choices as strengths.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
Virginia Carter, the feminist activist who was hired by Norman Lear to advise him on social issues and marginalized groups, providing insight the famed TV producer would use for plotlines and characterizations in his provocative shows, has died.
—Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Oct. 2024
The provocative Grisham-like legal thriller serves filmgoers with convincing evidence not just that justice is an ambiguous system but that the 94-year-old Oscar-winner can still crank out a smart, entertaining thought-provoker.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024
But Tarantino views these provocative choices as strengths.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
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 16 Nov. 2024.
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
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share