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
However, this election is going to be defined by Trump, with his provocative comments about annexing Canada and declaring economic war looming large over the campaign, heightening public anxiety, Urbaniak said—and that may ultimately count against the Conservative Party.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
As marionette puppets bring his unfinished book to life, family and friends unveil the real person behind the provocative public persona in this captivating documentary.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Will Lai take provocative actions that demand a response?
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Trump's threats shift Canada's election, boosting Liberals under Carney
Trump's recent trade war moves and provocative remarks about Canada have unexpectedly transformed the country's upcoming election, helping the Liberal Party, previously trailing, gain momentum heading into Monday's vote.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
As marionette puppets bring his unfinished book to life, family and friends unveil the real person behind the provocative public persona in this captivating documentary.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Will Lai take provocative actions that demand a response?
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Trump's threats shift Canada's election, boosting Liberals under Carney
Trump's recent trade war moves and provocative remarks about Canada have unexpectedly transformed the country's upcoming election, helping the Liberal Party, previously trailing, gain momentum heading into Monday's vote.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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This is a good fight trending toward an exciting finish.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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His aggressive, exciting driving style is already winning over fans.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
3 May 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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While micro shorts were undoubtedly the talk of the town last summer, and the trend has legs as these pictures show, longer lengths are also part of the trend forecast, especially an edgier mid-calf Bermuda.—
Alejandro Badia,
Footwear News,
1 May 2025
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Born and residing in Havana, the 23-year-old artist is bringing an edgy touch to pop music, fusing it with the traditional sounds that best represent her country.—
Ingrid Fajardo,
Billboard,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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