as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
Basler is a provocative pundit and Doppelpass is always a forum for strident views, but even in the local media Sahin has found support hard to come by.
—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Among Trump’s most provocative actions was an executive order saying that the U.S. would designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
In secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s hearing, senators on Wednesday covered almost every provocative topic possible.
—Nicole Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Trump, on the other hand, has managed to single-handedly achieve results, with just a few provocative words, that have long been the dream of populists around the world seeking to reclaim power from globalists running our Western nations.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Among Trump’s most provocative actions was an executive order saying that the U.S. would designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
In secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth’s hearing, senators on Wednesday covered almost every provocative topic possible.
—Nicole Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Trump, on the other hand, has managed to single-handedly achieve results, with just a few provocative words, that have long been the dream of populists around the world seeking to reclaim power from globalists running our Western nations.
—Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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The intrigue: While lots of wrestlers declare for the Royal Rumble, most of the competitors and their order of entry are kept a mystery, making every countdown of the timer more exciting.—
Justin L. Mack,
Axios,
31 Jan. 2025
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Visiting Stadiums On Summer Tour Excited about The battle against tyranny sounds rather exciting!—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.—
Kristina Hook,
Foreign Affairs,
28 July 2022
Adjective
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Venture Colonialism There is arguably no single scholar more well versed, incisive, and thought provoking than Stern in analyzing the evolution of joint-stock corporations in the British Empire.—
Caroline Elkins,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Aug. 2023
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Her work is technically amazing, thought provoking and has tons of heart.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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Pairing alpaca knit sweater tops with sleek trousers is a stimulating experience too.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
23 Jan. 2025
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Caffeine and Adderall produce similar stimulating effects on the body.—
Mary Choy,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Miranda Priestly may have snubbed florals as dépassé in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, but nearly 20 years later, contemporary designers are pushing the pattern in exciting directions, bringing a fresh, new, and frankly edgy take on plants—particularly ones with petals.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
26 Jan. 2025
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As for the pants, the best of them made roomy ones look elegant and still edgy.—
Julian Randall,
Essence,
25 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to provocative
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Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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