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
But, when one student made a provocative claim that noncitizens aren’t entitled to equal protection, the debate devolved.
—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
The seal dribble was seen as provocative and when Kerlon performed his party trick after coming on for Cruzeiro against Atletico Mineiro in a game in 2007, all hell broke loose.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Once moved out of the White House, Obama’s fashion choices shifted noticeably away from traditional styles and comparatively conservative first lady silhouettes, towards far more provocative looks that suggested a bold new chapter.
—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Kuzovkov had been living in exile in Poland since 2021, and he was known for his provocative portraits of Putin, Kadyrov, and other political figures.
—
News Desk,
Artforum,
17 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.
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
The seal dribble was seen as provocative and when Kerlon performed his party trick after coming on for Cruzeiro against Atletico Mineiro in a game in 2007, all hell broke loose.
—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
21 June 2026
Once moved out of the White House, Obama’s fashion choices shifted noticeably away from traditional styles and comparatively conservative first lady silhouettes, towards far more provocative looks that suggested a bold new chapter.
—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Kuzovkov had been living in exile in Poland since 2021, and he was known for his provocative portraits of Putin, Kadyrov, and other political figures.
—
News Desk,
Artforum,
17 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 27 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
