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

Synonyms of provocative

• exciting
• charged
• provoking
• motivational
• motivating
• stimulating
• edgy

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 panel wrapped with a provocative audience question from an NBCUniversal exec who asked the panel what the best path forward for her company would be. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

In Bolivia, Yllanes was a divisive political figure during his lifetime, who was even jailed for his provocative artworks. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The early episodes, with their nervousness about FCC crackdowns and government interference in the news-gathering apparatus, suggest that American Hostage is going someplace provocative, only to have the series run out of things to say. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Sydney Sweeney sparked widespread backlash following the release of her provocative campaign for a sports trading app. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for provocative

• evocative
• talkative
• vocative

Kids 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