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.
Harwicz’s novels are more hallucinatory than supernatural—but a more provocative distinction between her books and others in this semi-subgenre is that, for her characters, motherhood does not cause animal rage and instability so much as instantiate them. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2025 Many critics praised Tuttle for handling such a provocative subject with sensitivity. Brent Lang, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025 Holbrook plays Brodie, a podcaster who is beloved by a young male audience for his provocative, controversial takes, nodding to the rise of bro podcasters in today’s zeitgeist. Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 The brutal, provocative opening scene featuring Xavier Dolan depicting the realism of bigotry and hate is stomach-churning, but fits into the dark atmosphere of the source material. Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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

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