provocative

adjective

prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
Definition of provocativenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of provocative In Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda cast people of color as Founders as a provocative gesture toward inclusion. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 That can desensitize us to actions that in another context would be seen as deeply provocative. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026 The move was widely seen as deliberately provocative and triggered rioting across Jerusalem’s Old City. — Gabe Joselow, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Over the years, the provocative sound has drawn criticism − and even government bans – for promoting songs with themes of crime, drug use and violence. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
  1. exciting
  2. charged
  3. provoking
  4. motivational
  5. stimulating
  6. edgy
Adjective
  • The King vs the Prince The clash of styles is one subplot but arguably not as exciting as the prospect of Messi coming up against Lamine Yamal.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • After a month of adrenaline-pumping action, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close this weekend with two exciting finals.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • The result is an urgent, propulsive song with a raw spirit and some of Pop’s most super-charged writing with deceptively simple lyrics about love and war, dripping with desperation.
    — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of charged
Adjective
  • The Best Books of the Year (So Far) Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • Chiarella has come up with an ingenious premise that is as twisted as it is thought-provoking.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • The former stockbroker now works as a writer and motivational speaker.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
  • Tyson lent his name to the academy for $1 a year, has appeared at ceremonies for the school and given motivational speeches to students.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 16 July 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • Key recommendations include Provide all children with good-quality education and support lifelong cognitive activity through mentally stimulating activities.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • However, once the moon slips into Aquarius, the atmosphere takes on a more cerebral, independent and mentally stimulating vibe.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • Loathe don’t have to do this—they’re not 5 Seconds of Summer courting an edgy image by citing Nine Inch Nails as an influence, or Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky name-checking Björk on their undying quests to be validated as experimental artists.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
  • Tyla revived an edgy footwear look from her wardrobe for an outing in Berlin on Tuesday, stepping out in an Alexander Wang sandal and a neon jacket repping New York.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
Definition of edgy

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provocations
provocative
provocatively
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Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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