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
Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The title, provocative by design, belies a layered comedy that examines modern masculinity, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025
To name the new detention center in the Everglades Alligator Alcatraz is to spoon-feed the media a provocative label that sounds great as a lead-in to the local news or clickbait for online sources.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
From provocative new shows and a major tourism boom, the East Coast’s comeback city is reclaiming its spotlight—and culture lovers should take note.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The title, provocative by design, belies a layered comedy that examines modern masculinity, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025
To name the new detention center in the Everglades Alligator Alcatraz is to spoon-feed the media a provocative label that sounds great as a lead-in to the local news or clickbait for online sources.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
From provocative new shows and a major tourism boom, the East Coast’s comeback city is reclaiming its spotlight—and culture lovers should take note.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 15 July 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 22 Jul. 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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