as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
The original, shot by Bryce Anderson, drew a lot of attention and controversy, with many critiquing the image as a provocative and degrading towards women.
—
Thania Garcia, Variety, 25 June 2025
But while much of that has happened quietly, last Saturday’s actions were provocative, boldly and publicly taking place in a city still under siege from thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of U.S. Marines.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
On Monday, Davis Gates didn’t do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago’s children are CTU’s kids, too.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The Second Lady offers a quick congratulations to the provocative conservative panelist.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Thania Garcia, Variety, 25 June 2025
But while much of that has happened quietly, last Saturday’s actions were provocative, boldly and publicly taking place in a city still under siege from thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of U.S. Marines.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
On Monday, Davis Gates didn’t do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago’s children are CTU’s kids, too.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The Second Lady offers a quick congratulations to the provocative conservative panelist.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Step into the rhythm of the day with ESSENCE PRESENTS: THE COLLECTIVE SET—an immersive sonic experience powered by today’s most exciting DJ crews and music collectives.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 July 2025
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But his most exciting job is as a private investigator.—
Richard Johnson,
New York Daily News,
6 July 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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Your letter completes our stimulating and fruitful relationship these several (many?) years.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
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Best of all, admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays, providing a budget-friendly and intellectually stimulating way to spend an afternoon indoors.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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Most of us rely on visual shortcuts, such as bright colors that might suggest warmth or friendliness, while dark, edgy imagery might be read as rebellious or intense.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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But edgy, irreverent, artistic, dingy, grimy, slightly dangerous cool.—
Keith Pandolfi,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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