as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
The administration has said investigations are ongoing, though information hasn’t yet emerged to support some of the provocative initial claims.
—
Steven Sloan, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026
Megadeth was fueled by spite, inspired by speed, and enabled by Mustaine’s preternatural gift for Flying V warfare, as well as his knack for asking provocative economic queries about the salability of peace.
—Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Ye, the provocative rapper formerly known as Kanye West, explains himself once again — this time in a full-page ad in Monday’s issue of the Wall Street Journal.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Campbell, 65, is famous for his provocative music career and sharp business acumen.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Steven Sloan, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026
Megadeth was fueled by spite, inspired by speed, and enabled by Mustaine’s preternatural gift for Flying V warfare, as well as his knack for asking provocative economic queries about the salability of peace.
—Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Ye, the provocative rapper formerly known as Kanye West, explains himself once again — this time in a full-page ad in Monday’s issue of the Wall Street Journal.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Campbell, 65, is famous for his provocative music career and sharp business acumen.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
-
Still, one respondent saw that as an exciting opportunity.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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On paper, Paramount+’s debut UFC broadcast Saturday night was meant to usher in an exciting new era for combat sports.—
Chris Lee,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 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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Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
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But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Years ago, Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did not see much significance in the motivational tactics or customs of NFL players.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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It can be used as a motivational tool to foster a sense of camaraderie in sports or the classroom.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Lee’s aesthetic of production, and of the power that’s an essential and inescapable part of art, is fundamentally conservative—and no less stimulating for being so.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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For example, low-quality digital use, including mindless scrolling, autoplay videos, frequent notifications and algorithms that push extreme or harmful material, can be highly stimulating but may lead to poor sleep, attention difficulties, academic challenges, and emotional regulation problems.—
Dr. Tyler Beauchamp,
ABC News,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The problem was amplified both because Musk pitches his chatbot as an edgier alternative with fewer safeguards than rivals, and because Grok's responses on X are publicly visible, and can therefore be easily spread.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
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The problem was amplified both because Musk pitches his chatbot as an edgier alternative with fewer safeguards than rivals, and because Grok’s images are publicly visible, and can therefore be easily spread.—
Kelvin Chan,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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