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
He was known for his provocative diss tracks on the platform, some of which amassed millions of views.
—
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
For all the hullabaloo, some of the most provocative pavilions were also the most lackluster, inadvertently making way for exhibitions elsewhere to shine.
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
Founded by multi-hyphenate filmmaker Garelick in the fall of 2017, American High is a production company specializing in provocative teen comedies that operates out of a former school in Syracuse, NY.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 May 2026
An exception is when the goal of provocative or controversial material is prosocial rather than selfish—to challenge discrimination and foster productive dialogue on social issues rather than to sensationalize or garner ratings and profit.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
For all the hullabaloo, some of the most provocative pavilions were also the most lackluster, inadvertently making way for exhibitions elsewhere to shine.
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
Founded by multi-hyphenate filmmaker Garelick in the fall of 2017, American High is a production company specializing in provocative teen comedies that operates out of a former school in Syracuse, NY.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 May 2026
An exception is when the goal of provocative or controversial material is prosocial rather than selfish—to challenge discrimination and foster productive dialogue on social issues rather than to sensationalize or garner ratings and profit.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 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 14 May. 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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