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
Shot by the legendary Helmut Newton—known for his provocative black and white photographs—the campaign starred 22-year-old Jerry Hall at the height of her It Girl fame.
—
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
But Cox’s interactions were inherently provocative.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The most incendiary musical comedy of 2025 will advance to the off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in October, and its creators are marking the show’s return with, not surprisingly, two provocative events.
—Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Some of my last few films can be considered somehow provocative.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
But Cox’s interactions were inherently provocative.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The most incendiary musical comedy of 2025 will advance to the off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in October, and its creators are marking the show’s return with, not surprisingly, two provocative events.
—Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Some of my last few films can be considered somehow provocative.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
