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
As an odd sort of ethnography, though, the study tells a provocative story.
—
Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
These sparks can take many forms, such as a provocative article, a keynote speech that challenges conventional thinking, a compelling podcast interview or even a viral social media post.
—John Knotts, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Once best known for his satirical workplace humor, Adams became increasingly associated with provocative views, especially after embracing Trump during the 2016 election.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
The players drifting through this dreamscape include Daisy Ridley, Eliot Sumner, Willem Dafoe, and a host of other beautiful people clad in gauzy frocks and provocative bralettes.
—Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
These sparks can take many forms, such as a provocative article, a keynote speech that challenges conventional thinking, a compelling podcast interview or even a viral social media post.
—John Knotts, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Once best known for his satirical workplace humor, Adams became increasingly associated with provocative views, especially after embracing Trump during the 2016 election.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
The players drifting through this dreamscape include Daisy Ridley, Eliot Sumner, Willem Dafoe, and a host of other beautiful people clad in gauzy frocks and provocative bralettes.
—Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 16 May 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 23 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
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