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
The emphasis this time around was on unity, loyalty and readiness, while keeping the most provocative systems off-camera.
—
Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Neither about the provocative manipulation of the judiciary nor about the major problem of addiction.
—Reuters, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
The impatience that Chase brought to his work, along with his provocative, improvisational style of comedy and communicating, feels a little like jazz.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Either way, seeing the pair together after their stint as torchbearers for the Olympic torch relay would be a sweet treat for Heated Rivalry fans who have a bit of a wait for the second season of the provocative Canadian drama.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Neither about the provocative manipulation of the judiciary nor about the major problem of addiction.
—Reuters, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026
The impatience that Chase brought to his work, along with his provocative, improvisational style of comedy and communicating, feels a little like jazz.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Either way, seeing the pair together after their stint as torchbearers for the Olympic torch relay would be a sweet treat for Heated Rivalry fans who have a bit of a wait for the second season of the provocative Canadian drama.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Feb. 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 6 Mar. 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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