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
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
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, 17 Jan. 2025
Her vision was radically personal and at times provocative.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Three of President-elect Trump's most provocative Cabinet picks have reversed key positions ahead of next week's confirmation hearings, softening their edges for an establishment they've been charged with tearing down.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
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Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 19 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, 17 Jan. 2025
Her vision was radically personal and at times provocative.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Three of President-elect Trump's most provocative Cabinet picks have reversed key positions ahead of next week's confirmation hearings, softening their edges for an establishment they've been charged with tearing down.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 12 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 24 Jan. 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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