as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
Some Democrats were considering walkouts or other disruptions if and when Trump makes provocative claims.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025
Though it was published in English in 1894 alongside strikingly provocative illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, Salome was only staged in Paris in 1896.
—E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, has condemned the United States for deploying an aircraft carrier to South Korea, calling the move a provocative act that justifies its nuclear program.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
No city can deliver on high-touch like Milan, where luxurious materiality meets legacy craft, coupled with provocative design….Milan is weathering all their transitions locally and globally, in style.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025
Though it was published in English in 1894 alongside strikingly provocative illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, Salome was only staged in Paris in 1896.
—E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, has condemned the United States for deploying an aircraft carrier to South Korea, calling the move a provocative act that justifies its nuclear program.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
No city can deliver on high-touch like Milan, where luxurious materiality meets legacy craft, coupled with provocative design….Milan is weathering all their transitions locally and globally, in style.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Spread across 55 acres, the estate has become one of England’s most exciting wine producers, turning out crisp still and sparkling wines that rival Champagne.—
Lela London,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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The rise of women-only travel experiences means there are now more opportunities to explore the world in a way that feels empowering and exciting and, to be real—downright liberating.—
Tykesha Spivey Burton,
Essence,
8 Mar. 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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Keep them engaged with cat trees, puzzle feeders, or other stimulating activities.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
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But at the time, the theory that providing children with stimulating activities would help them more than rote learning and academic drills was revolutionary.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Filmmaker Kevin Smith is writing a double-sized crossover comic in which the wholesome Archie Comics characters meet the edgy protagonists of his film oeuvre.—
Aaron Couch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
7 Mar. 2025
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D’Arcy’s makeup featured a natural, clean visage, while their hair was slicked back for a modern, edgy appearance.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
7 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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