as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
This story is part of The Tennessean’s Notorious Nashville series, which takes a look back at some of the city’s most provocative news stories of the 21st century so far.
—
Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 23 July 2025
A lot of Black Sabbath’s work was intentionally provocative, designed to ruffle conventional sensibilities.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 22 July 2025
Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The title, provocative by design, belies a layered comedy that examines modern masculinity, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Craig Shoup, The Tennessean, 23 July 2025
A lot of Black Sabbath’s work was intentionally provocative, designed to ruffle conventional sensibilities.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 22 July 2025
Such provocative and dangerous moves are the root cause for maritime security issues.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The title, provocative by design, belies a layered comedy that examines modern masculinity, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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With rich characters and an exciting form, St. John Mandel has crafted a modern classic full of hope in the face of suffering.—
Robert English,
EW.com,
30 July 2025
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Enter Kampar, just south of Philadelphia’s South Street in the Queen Village neighborhood, featuring a ground-floor tasting menu-only dinner service; above it, Kongsi, its casual counterpart, pairing Malaysian street food flavors with exciting cocktails.—
Alisha Miranda,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
Adjective
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Venture Colonialism There is arguably no single scholar more well versed, incisive, and thought provoking than Stern in analyzing the evolution of joint-stock corporations in the British Empire.—
Caroline Elkins,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Aug. 2023
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Her work is technically amazing, thought provoking and has tons of heart.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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Promote relaxation before bed, such as through less stimulating activities like quiet play, a warm bed, and reading.—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
18 July 2025
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Then, as Venus enters Gemini on July 4, love and connection become more curious, lighthearted and intellectually stimulating.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Nowadays, Cain occasionally will work inside the studio system, albeit in edgier fare.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
29 July 2025
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This edgy, elegant character is something that Tracy Lowy knows well and celebrates in her boutique hotel, The Laslett.—
Kissa Castaneda,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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