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
Sabrina Carpenter leaned into her provocative image while pulling double duty as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
—
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
Her poetry carries it all—the metaphysical, the flirtatious, the unsettling, the provocative— all in such miniscule space.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
The video is simultaneously a provocative advertisement for Aryubi’s company—as well as an encouragement for tourists to visit Afghanistan.
—T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
But Denver native Garrett trades simplistic politics for provocative psychological drama.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Oct. 2025
Her poetry carries it all—the metaphysical, the flirtatious, the unsettling, the provocative— all in such miniscule space.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
The video is simultaneously a provocative advertisement for Aryubi’s company—as well as an encouragement for tourists to visit Afghanistan.
—T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
But Denver native Garrett trades simplistic politics for provocative psychological drama.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Hurricane season, monsoons, and extreme heat can all impact your trip, and while some holidays add an exciting dose of flavor, others may shut down key attractions or restaurants.—
Jim Augerinos,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Chalotra still excels at giving Yennefer a desperate rage that makes her sorceress scenes visceral and exciting.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.—
James Mercadante,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Strimel is now a motivational speaker who regularly talks about her experience with breast cancer.—
Korin Miller,
Flow Space,
27 Oct. 2025
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Fontanez, who has cut hair for everyone from Tom Brady to Nelly and even former President Barack Obama, broadened his career focus during the pandemic to include motivational speaking.—
Hedy Phillips,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Although the brain itself has no pain receptors, Bacon was given local anesthetic to numb her scalp and skull, as doctors made holes half the size of a small coin in her skull and implanted the stimulating electrodes inside.—
Elmira Aliieva,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
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However, matcha’s high levels of L-theanine, a calming amino acid, help balance caffeine’s stimulating effects.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The model seems to, in automotive terms, refine the stylistic conventions of the 1950s while perfectly complementing Britain’s edgier Mod ethos of the subsequent decade.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
27 Oct. 2025
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Conner Ives x Jimmy Choo Leopard-Print Boots Jimmy Choo and Conner Ives joined forces this season to provide the fashion set with an edgy, yet playful, arsenal of footwear options for fall.—
Cortne Bonilla,
Vogue,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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