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
Extreme or provocative rhetoric does not increase the relative level of peace in the Taiwan Strait.
—
Lev Nachman, Foreign Affairs, 1 Aug. 2025
The bluntly provocative characterization, which went viral, helped the episode reach some viewers that otherwise may not have been as attuned to Paramount’s recent decisions.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025
Winemakers in the Jura The other reason for the Jura’s notoriety among wine lovers is its winemakers, who like to occasionally be a little provocative.
—Eleanor Aldridge, AFAR Media, 31 July 2025
This is especially true knowing that American Eagle is traditionally more conservative and avoids polarizing or provocative stances.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Lev Nachman, Foreign Affairs, 1 Aug. 2025
The bluntly provocative characterization, which went viral, helped the episode reach some viewers that otherwise may not have been as attuned to Paramount’s recent decisions.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025
Winemakers in the Jura The other reason for the Jura’s notoriety among wine lovers is its winemakers, who like to occasionally be a little provocative.
—Eleanor Aldridge, AFAR Media, 31 July 2025
This is especially true knowing that American Eagle is traditionally more conservative and avoids polarizing or provocative stances.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Shooting Episode 5 was exciting because of that turn.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
8 Aug. 2025
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Having a baby is such an exciting time, every time.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 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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The truth is, overseeing the transition of a youthful talent into the first team is one of the most rewarding and stimulating aspects of Arteta’s job.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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New York City is colorful, noisy, aggressive, exciting, claustrophobic, jagged, and highly stimulating.—
Jessica Gross
August 8,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Online, some expressed surprise that the long-running, edgy animation had become so critical of the Trump administration, noting that South Park was one of the loudest critical voices out there.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The song arrives alongside an edgy music video, co-directed by Slayyyter and Hannah DeVries, that follows the song’s lyrics about love, excess and detachment.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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