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
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a provocative new poster featuring World War II imagery, urging citizens to assist in locating and reporting on immigrants who are in the country without documentation.
—
Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 12 June 2025
There are some sweet crushes, but nothing provocative at all.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025
Environmental and natural resource lawyer Rebecca Sokol argued in favor of such indirect, behavioral strategies, in a provocative 2020 paper, and agrees with Paz’s assessment.
—Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025
Miley Cyrus‘ Bangerz era was pretty unforgettable, with the pop star repeatedly shocking the world through risqué outfits and provocative performances at a time when many still associated her with the squeaky-clean image of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 12 June 2025
There are some sweet crushes, but nothing provocative at all.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025
Environmental and natural resource lawyer Rebecca Sokol argued in favor of such indirect, behavioral strategies, in a provocative 2020 paper, and agrees with Paz’s assessment.
—Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025
Miley Cyrus‘ Bangerz era was pretty unforgettable, with the pop star repeatedly shocking the world through risqué outfits and provocative performances at a time when many still associated her with the squeaky-clean image of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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In our house, television is allowed on weekends but not on school days, which, by Saturday, makes getting downstairs and turning it on all the more exciting and urgent for him.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
24 June 2025
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The jungle backdrop, unique architecture, exciting food scene, and turquoise ocean views make Tulum an incredibly romantic place for couples to escape.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
24 June 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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Preparation for change Encountering the new environment Adapting to it over time Much like school transitions, returning from travel involves shifting from an exciting and stimulating environment back to routine life.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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Indeed, the toy may be marketed as—and named for—its G-spot stimulating capabilities, but the tip also works wonders on your external erogenous zones.—
Gabrielle Kassel,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Washes: 3 options Mother’s Hustler jeans flare ever so slightly at the ankles, with a raw hem that’s edgy but still neat enough to wear to work.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
23 June 2025
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Indeed, the company is all about fun with a dash of edgy coolness that serves to highlight important elements without overpowering them.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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