as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
Each riddim more innovative and provocative than the one before.
—
Ahmir “questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
Fresh, provocative and uproariously funny.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
As her autonomy is repeatedly stripped away, Pepper is stuck in a seemingly impossible situation that unfolds in this provocative yet warm and, at times, humorous story.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026
Some particularly outrageous one-liners about race snuck into the film’s final cut, although much of its dicier material comes off as weirdly effortful instead of provocative or reckless.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Ahmir “questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
Fresh, provocative and uproariously funny.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
As her autonomy is repeatedly stripped away, Pepper is stuck in a seemingly impossible situation that unfolds in this provocative yet warm and, at times, humorous story.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 June 2026
Some particularly outrageous one-liners about race snuck into the film’s final cut, although much of its dicier material comes off as weirdly effortful instead of provocative or reckless.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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The moon in Aries also energizes your 11th house of friendships and future plans, so a social event or opportunity could feel exciting.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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While the combination of editor Sarah Broshar’s relentless pacing and John Williams’ full-bodied score (which stands among the veteran composer’s finest) makes for an exciting watch throughout, the breathless action sequences are especially thrilling.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
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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
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Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books.—
Namara Smith,
New Yorker,
10 June 2026
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The ways the siblings cope with their versions of reality are quite different, quite haunting and quite thought-provoking.—
Bethanne Patrick,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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The applicant list also includes attorneys, bankers, a motivational speaker, a chef and a real estate agent.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
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Hasley went on to ghostwrite books Passion, Profit, & Power for motivational speaker Marshall Sylver, and The Slight Edge for two-time Olympian Jeff Olson.—
Marina Watts,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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Novelty refers to experiences that feel new, fresh, unfamiliar or psychologically stimulating.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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But don't be discouraged, as today's disruptions could end up leading you toward something fresh, inspiring and intellectually stimulating.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Cinching at the waist, the edgy top of the dress transitioned to a flowing skirt with a thigh-high slit.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 June 2026
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Gallner, meanwhile, keeps Oliver just unknowable enough to sustain an edgy crackle of tension.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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