as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Recent Examples of provocative
Despite maintaining its black-tie dress code, the absence of a fashion consultant opened the door to some provocative attire, ranging from Cher’s see-through, sheer outfits, to Edy Williams’ provocative, barely-there getups.
—
Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
And in February, the State Department removed a statement about not supporting Taiwan’s independence from its website—a deletion that China interpreted as provocative.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The deep thinkers laughed at Reagan, and then somberly warned that such language was not only misguided but provocative, as if the Kremlin would be more aggressive as a result of the president’s speech.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
As an odd sort of ethnography, though, the study tells a provocative story.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
And in February, the State Department removed a statement about not supporting Taiwan’s independence from its website—a deletion that China interpreted as provocative.
—Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
The deep thinkers laughed at Reagan, and then somberly warned that such language was not only misguided but provocative, as if the Kremlin would be more aggressive as a result of the president’s speech.
—Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
As an odd sort of ethnography, though, the study tells a provocative story.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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McVay has his top tight end group in a while, an exciting prospect for the coach’s football chess options.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2025
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The latter star has landed a number of hits throughout the past few years by repurposing melodies and interpolating hooks from older, familiar smashes by other artists, reworking them into something exciting and new for a different audience.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
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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
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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Some proponents suggest doing your dry brushing in the morning, rather than before bed, because of its stimulating and energizing qualities.—
Angela Palmer,
Verywell Health,
20 May 2025
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The Cognitive Dividend of Challenging Work Neuroscience now confirms that mentally stimulating work protects cognitive health.—
John Samuels,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Conor, after all, trains with a hard-hitting Cobra Kai-like dojo named Demolition with an edgy John Kreese-like sensei named O’Shea (Tim Rozon), even though O’Shea barely has a presence in comparison to Martin Kove’s Kreese in the Karate Kid movies and Cobra Kai.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Lovato is known for her edgy style—think lots of leather, tattoos, and sleek silhouettes.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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