evocative

adjective

evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈvä-kə-tiv 

: evoking or tending to evoke an especially emotional response

… settings … so evocative that they bring tears to the eyes …

—Eric Malpass

evocatively adverb

evocativeness noun

Synonyms of evocative

• reminiscent

Examples of evocative in a Sentence

He wrote a powerful and evocative biography.

the Italian-American restaurant is decorated in a manner evocative of the charming outdoor cafés in Italy

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside, rather than succumbing to the pull of an open floor plan, Rai leaned into the home’s distinct zones and cozy nooks, which are evocative of another era. —Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026

Worn at an asymmetrical angle, the hat was evocative of the styles Queen Camilla has worn in the past, often designed by Irish milliner Philip Treacy. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026

Its charm and its pizza toast are still going strong, evocative enough to draw celebrity visitors such as Keanu Reeves (there’s a photo of him with the staff on the wall). —Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026

Some of these abstractions are more evocative than others. —H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for evocative

• provocative
• talkative
• vocative

Kids Definition

evocative

adjective

evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈväk-ət-iv 

: having the power to evoke an especially emotional response

an evocative photograph