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

Cold and bitter, yet still provocative, or at least trying to be. — Sofia Franklyn, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Skarsgård’s 2026 red carpets have been defined by some provocative fashion moments, a signature of the actor’s playful persona. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Weiss, who founded the provocative site The Free Press, has brought it with her to CBS News, and some CBS News personnel have written for the site. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

The compelling series achieves a provocative dissection of it all with rare confidence without the overindulgence of distracting CGI tossed in for sheer spectacle. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 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