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

Synonyms of provocative

• exciting
• charged
• provoking
• motivational
• motivating
• stimulating
• edgy

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

The ad’s most provocative image was of American soldiers’ tombs at the Arlington National Cemetery. — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026

There have been turning points throughout Hollywood history when an old order collapsed and was replaced by something cooler and more provocative. — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 July 2026

The Shards could similarly prove to be a sensationalized and provocative romp, given the tone of the source material and the general vibe of both Ellis’ literary works and Murphy’s shows. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026

The former leader remains jailed while appealing a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year term over provocative drone flights, a saga that has tested South Korea’s democratic institutions. — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for provocative

• evocative
• talkative
• vocative

Kids 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