provocative

pro·voc·a·tive

adj \prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv\

Definition of PROVOCATIVE

: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate <a provocative question>

— provocative noun

— pro·voc·a·tive·ly adverb

— pro·voc·a·tive·ness noun

Examples of PROVOCATIVE

1. a thoughtful and provocative book
2. It was one of his more provocative suggestions.
3. She was wearing a very provocative outfit.

First Known Use of PROVOCATIVE

15th century

Related to PROVOCATIVE

Synonyms: charged, edgy, exciting, inciting, instigating, instigative, piquing, provoking, stimulating

Antonyms: noninflammatory

Related Words: explosive, fiery, incendiary, inflammatory, triggering; inducing, inspirational, inspiring, motivating, motivational, motivative; jeering, taunting, teasing; activating, energizing, galvanizing, quickening, vitalizing; angering, enraging, maddening, upsetting; aggravating, annoying, bothersome, exasperating, galling, irksome, irritating, pesky, vexatious, vexing

Near Antonyms: subduing

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Rhymes with PROVOCATIVE

evocative