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
Intriguingly, in more recent decades, political and extremist groups have shifted away from a more provocative look, like skinheads, towards a more pedestrian aesthetic involving khakis and polo shirts.
—
Steve Salter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Several artists explore the potential of immersive media in innovative and far-reaching ways, from frontline citizen journalism to provocative explorations of gender identity.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
But Denver native Garrett trades simplistic politics for provocative psychological drama.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Named to Oprah’s Book Club in July, this provocative bestselling novel questions personal ethics, responsibility and the dangers of artificial intelligence.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Steve Salter, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Several artists explore the potential of immersive media in innovative and far-reaching ways, from frontline citizen journalism to provocative explorations of gender identity.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025
But Denver native Garrett trades simplistic politics for provocative psychological drama.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Named to Oprah’s Book Club in July, this provocative bestselling novel questions personal ethics, responsibility and the dangers of artificial intelligence.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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What’s exciting is that comedic talent can now receive guidance from Mark and be paired with Todd to go out to the market with a project that’s already vetted and packaged.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
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From some exciting new restaurants to great concerts and shows, there is a lot of cool stuff to experience this weekend.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 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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The fish-out-of-water comedy costarred Sam Shepard and reminded audiences of Keaton’s deft skills at leading a movie that mixed the funny with the dramatic and thought-provoking.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
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Eclectic and thought-provoking, these films ask urgent questions about our past, present and future, alongside deeply personal stories of resilience and triumph.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Carpenter also starred in sketches throughout the evening as a 12-year-old boy podcast host, a girlboss motivational speaker who suffers a head injury, and a singing washing machine.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
19 Oct. 2025
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Early in the segment, Carpenter’s character, Queen Lisha—who paired motivational speeches with upbeat choreography—suffered a concussion after her backup dancers threw her a touch too hard into a window.—
Paula Mejía,
The Atlantic,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Megan wants a partner who will offer more stimulating conversation.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
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This crucial enzyme transforms glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter) into GABA (a calming one).—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While some mild language or edgy humor might still appear, the company promises to keep those cases rare.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Oct. 2025
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After Politico reported that Young Republicans expressed outrageously racist, misogynistic and anti-Semitic sentiments, Vice President JD Vance excused it as just the edgy chat of young activists.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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