provocative

adjective

pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: 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
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.
The former acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration has already made very provocative threats, such as promising to cut off federal funding to states or cities and jailing government officials for not complying with his deportation mandate. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 In the journalist’s provocative new work, Eve Babitz’s diary-like letters provide a window into her fellow literary titan, Joan Didion. 4. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 The Believers Where to Watch: Netflix A provocative Thai series about three young entrepreneurs who attempt to spin a struggling Buddhist temple into a money-making business. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024 Shaw was booed by the home fans for the remainder of the first half who considered her celebration to be provocative. Asif Burhan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for provocative 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provocative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near provocative

Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively adverb
provocativeness noun

Medical Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasmThe Journal of the American Medical Association

More from Merriam-Webster on provocative

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