evocative

adjective

evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce evocative (audio)
: evoking or tending to evoke an especially emotional response
settings … so evocative that they bring tears to the eyesEric Malpass
evocatively adverb
evocativeness noun

Examples of evocative in a Sentence

He wrote a powerful and evocative biography. the Italian-American restaurant is decorated in a manner evocative of the charming outdoor cafés in Italy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The images are so evocative and nostalgic, a plan was devised to put a selection of Dogma photos on exhibit and for sale at the famed Morrison Hotel Gallery’s high-profile outposts, in New York City’s SoHo and in Los Angeles within West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis Hotel. Scott Huver, People.com, 27 June 2025 The Residences at West Oaks is evocative of the visionary R21 Lofts, a limited collection of 48 modern townhomes in midtown Sacramento, near the Ice Blocks, which are scheduled to open in the fall. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025 Your voice sounds different with each genre and every song is so evocative. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 Participants rated some scents, such as pumpkin pie spice and baby powder, as highly evocative of nostalgia, while rating others – such as money and cappuccino –as less evocative. Chelsea Reid, The Conversation, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for evocative

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evocative was in 1657

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Cite this Entry

“Evocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evocative. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

evocative

adjective
evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce evocative (audio)
: having the power to evoke an especially emotional response
an evocative photograph

More from Merriam-Webster on evocative

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