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 time around, though, the issue isn't Trump's personal behavior or his provocative rhetoric.
—
Susan Page, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
However, those brave souls willing to indulge in its provocative nightmares will be rewarded with newfound understandings and perhaps even a few sleepless nights.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Branden Jacobs Jenkins Acclaimed playwright Jacobs-Jenkins is known for his bold, provocative work that examines race, identity and history.
—Clare Fisher, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
At the beginning of the decade, the provocative, expressive experimentation of artists like Madonna and Jackson had foregrounded women’s desires.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Susan Page, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
However, those brave souls willing to indulge in its provocative nightmares will be rewarded with newfound understandings and perhaps even a few sleepless nights.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Branden Jacobs Jenkins Acclaimed playwright Jacobs-Jenkins is known for his bold, provocative work that examines race, identity and history.
—Clare Fisher, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
At the beginning of the decade, the provocative, expressive experimentation of artists like Madonna and Jackson had foregrounded women’s desires.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Hunter is headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars (such an exciting moment for this team).—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
25 Apr. 2025
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Complementing Lewis’s exciting outfits is his daring jewelry style.—
Daisy Shaw-Ellis,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.—
Kristina Hook,
Foreign Affairs,
28 July 2022
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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Use Treat-Dispensing Chew Toys Durable rubber toys stuffed with food are highly stimulating.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Clinicians report treating families that use melatonin to counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This was an older, edgier, and even darker Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) than the dour young girl Christina Ricci made famous in the 1990s.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2025
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In addition to its permanent collection, the museum is known for its edgy exhibitions, like a recent one that examined sexuality in Lithuania during Soviet days.—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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