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
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
Sign up for the Race/Related Newsletter Join a deep and provocative exploration of race, identity and society with New York Times journalists.
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Troy Closson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The movies were provocative by design, and many critics condemned the movie.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 30 May 2025
Artificial intelligence has been unusually provocative.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
These encounters are provocative but ultimately ask little of June.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2025
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Troy Closson, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The movies were provocative by design, and many critics condemned the movie.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 30 May 2025
Artificial intelligence has been unusually provocative.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
These encounters are provocative but ultimately ask little of June.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 4 Jun. 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
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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