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

Brooke Shields in a provocative Calvin Klein ad. —Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

So, could this be the goal of this provocative collaboration? —Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Earlier in the day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir staged another provocative visit to Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, the hilltop compound that is home to Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Gilliam also made a provocative suggestion how Trump should send a warning message to Iran. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 May 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