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
Will Lai take provocative actions that demand a response?
—
Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Trump's threats shift Canada's election, boosting Liberals under Carney
Trump's recent trade war moves and provocative remarks about Canada have unexpectedly transformed the country's upcoming election, helping the Liberal Party, previously trailing, gain momentum heading into Monday's vote.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
In this provocative book, Daly argues that militarism in Africa has historically been about more than power grabs.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Backed by a full live band, Natti didn’t sing provocative reggaetón or commercial pop.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
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.
Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Trump's threats shift Canada's election, boosting Liberals under Carney
Trump's recent trade war moves and provocative remarks about Canada have unexpectedly transformed the country's upcoming election, helping the Liberal Party, previously trailing, gain momentum heading into Monday's vote.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
In this provocative book, Daly argues that militarism in Africa has historically been about more than power grabs.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Backed by a full live band, Natti didn’t sing provocative reggaetón or commercial pop.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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
Share