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 The gallery is displaying local photographers’ evocative images of native Sonoran people and landscapes. Sam Lubell, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Even in miniature, three-dimensional drapes, silhouettes, and finishes were more evocative of the final product than simple sketches and swatches. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024 Smuin Contemporary Ballet, the popular San Francisco troupe known for its evocative works that range from somber to silly to sassy, is turning 30 this year and is celebrating the milestone by reviving two favorite pieces created by company founder, the late Michael Smuin. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 The structured shoulders and mock-turtleneck collar are evocative of The Jetsons. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2024 Moving from Paris to Cotonou, the inventive documentary allows the artifacts to speak for themselves, reflecting on their journey in Fon-language dialogue often set against an ethereal and evocative synthpop score. Ben Croll, Variety, 18 Feb. 2024 Gutierrez’s secondary and tertiary storytelling tools are color and animation, the latter used to emphasize Kahlo’s evocative work. Kui Mwai, Essence, 29 Jan. 2024 This gripping tale takes us back to Nepal in 1960, and Tom Ward’s evocative prose does a splendid job of outlining the atmosphere that gripped a world still coming to terms with the repercussions of two devastating global wars. Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 18 Jan. 2024 Although a short story requires a very particular kind of concentration, the reader is so richly rewarded along the way; the best can be so evocative as to defy understanding. Dennis Zhou, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'evocative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evocative was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near evocative

Cite this Entry

“Evocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evocative. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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