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
Sweeney gets a lot of attention for the provocative messaging behind her work and public presence — her campaign for jeans-maker American Eagle caused the stock to spike — but the formation of Honey Trap is an acknowledgment that there is ambition and substance behind the hyphenate.
—
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 1 June 2026
On Tuesday, Sweeney hit back at her detractors with a brief but pointed message on Instagram along with a carousel of behind-the-scenes images that included some of Cassie's most provocative season three looks.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Some Catholic groups have criticized the organization for satirizing and mocking the religion with provocative costumes.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 1 June 2026
On Tuesday, Sweeney hit back at her detractors with a brief but pointed message on Instagram along with a carousel of behind-the-scenes images that included some of Cassie's most provocative season three looks.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Some Catholic groups have criticized the organization for satirizing and mocking the religion with provocative costumes.
—Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Make your kick-off intriguing or provocative to inspire viewers to read on.
—William Arruda, Forbes.com, 28 May 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 5 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?
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