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

In IconArrows pointing outwards BCA Research The data come from a thorough and provocative new report by BCA's longtime (and now semi-retired) chief economist Martin Barnes. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

The weeks that followed have been packed with political posturing, protests and provocative talk-show fodder, much of it aimed at dividing people much more than to actually support women’s sports. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Take Furious, which really is one of the summer’s more provocative shows. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

The festival brings together influential and provocative political, cultural, business, tech, and climate leaders for in-depth interviews, timely forums, book talks, screenings, and networking opportunities. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 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