provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv 
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
a provocative question
provocative
noun
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Examples of provocative in a Sentence
a thoughtful and provocative book
It was one of his more provocative suggestions.
She was wearing a very provocative outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
Amin, a Procter & Gamble-trained former general manager of Clorox’s litter, food, and charcoal businesses, has challenged his peers with provocative campaigns highlighting the lack of diversity in corporate America.
—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
In the right hands, the film that is both provocative and accessible could find traction during awards season.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
And in one provocative experiment, fans were more likely to step up for one another—being three times more likely to stop to help a stranger in need who is wearing their team’s jersey.
—Todd Rogers, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
However, the reality is much darker and culturally provocative.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
In the right hands, the film that is both provocative and accessible could find traction during awards season.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
And in one provocative experiment, fans were more likely to step up for one another—being three times more likely to stop to help a stranger in need who is wearing their team’s jersey.
—Todd Rogers, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
However, the reality is much darker and culturally provocative.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Medical Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasm—The Journal of the American Medical Association
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