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
Included were bottle opener, drink coasters, a provocative poster and cigarette coupons.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
The police did not respond to a list of questions from CNN, including which instructions were not followed, which conduct was suspicious and why possessing a camera is seen as provocative.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
So, what does the provocative British artist have to do with all of this?
—Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
The show does have some provocative moments, including a series of portraits by Andrea Modica from 1999.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
The police did not respond to a list of questions from CNN, including which instructions were not followed, which conduct was suspicious and why possessing a camera is seen as provocative.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
So, what does the provocative British artist have to do with all of this?
—Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
The show does have some provocative moments, including a series of portraits by Andrea Modica from 1999.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
-
But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
What Happens Next Greene is likely to continue stoking controversy by breaking with her party, as conversations around immigration remain charged and divisive.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Indeed, Lee’s work tends to be rich, thought-provoking, and hyper-personal, but fully engaging in her use of clever materials and the occasional laugh-out-loud punchline.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The coaches’ office is no bigger than a janitor’s closet, but the yellow brick walls are lined with championship pictures, motivational quotes, magazine covers of female athletes, soccer star Hope Solo, and accomplishments of each coach.—
PJ Green
April 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
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That is not motivational optimism.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This pairing is fun, mentally stimulating and always evolving, which is exactly what keeps it alive.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
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Some people are more sensitive to the stimulating effects of caffeine than others, which is largely determined by genetics.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Instagram caption also credited the glam team behind the look, including hairstylists and makeup artists who helped bring the edgy transformation together.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
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Then there’s the edgy attitude the Bucs were trying to identify in each and every draft selection.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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