provocative

adjective

pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: 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 Grab them immediately with an intriguing, provocative, or interactive opening. William Arruda, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 In this provocative little book, the Nobel laureate economist argues that the causes are as much distorted identities… The Man Without a Plan In The White Man’s Burden, William Easterly offers important insights about the pitfalls of foreign aid. Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2024 Much of the new movie’s power comes from Culkin’s Benji, a filterless character who’s both provocative and vulnerable — a kind of conscience id — and his comedic friction with Eisenberg’s strait-laced David. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2024 Animosities between the Koreas are at the worst point in years with Kim's provocative run of missile tests and the South Korean-U.S. military exercises intensifying in a cycle of tit-for-tat. Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for provocative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'provocative.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provocative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near provocative

Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively adverb
provocativeness noun

Medical Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasmThe Journal of the American Medical Association

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