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
In 2024, Roberto De Zerbi had his own press conference moments at Brighton that seemed as provocative, if not more so, than anything Amorim or Enzo Maresca recently said.
—
James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
If Young ever offers a provocative pregame quote that provides a soundbite for the opposing locker room, a roomful of reporters will collapse in surprise on the spot.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Known for blending humor with cultural insight, Rahma will wield his microphone to capture the night’s hottest — and potentially most provocative — takes in real time.
—Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Manchester United fired its coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in the job over poor results and provocative comments.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
If Young ever offers a provocative pregame quote that provides a soundbite for the opposing locker room, a roomful of reporters will collapse in surprise on the spot.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Known for blending humor with cultural insight, Rahma will wield his microphone to capture the night’s hottest — and potentially most provocative — takes in real time.
—Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
Manchester United fired its coach Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in the job over poor results and provocative comments.
—Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 5 Jan. 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 13 Jan. 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
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