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
That movie, like Primetime, affirms that the Twilight alum is not playing it safe in his choices — giving big, complex performances to match provocative material from idiosyncratic filmmakers.
—
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
The most provocative thread in this story may be Goldman’s own.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Senate candidate Mike Collins cut ties Friday with a controversial operative at the center of a House Ethics complaint after a history of provocative social media posts and mounting scrutiny ahead of a June GOP runoff against Derek Dooley.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
In a clear sign that Ben Gvir, a politician known for his provocative stunts, had gone too far for his government colleagues, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, followed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly rebuked him.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
The most provocative thread in this story may be Goldman’s own.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Senate candidate Mike Collins cut ties Friday with a controversial operative at the center of a House Ethics complaint after a history of provocative social media posts and mounting scrutiny ahead of a June GOP runoff against Derek Dooley.
—Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
In a clear sign that Ben Gvir, a politician known for his provocative stunts, had gone too far for his government colleagues, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, followed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly rebuked him.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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For a culture hit, there’s the contemporary Saatchi Gallery in Duke of York Square and the nearby Royal Court theatre, known for championing exciting, up-and-coming playwrights.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Experience magic as the aquarium comes alive with glowing corals and exciting live performances.—
Kayla Rivera,
AJC.com,
2 June 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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Ambitious, thought-provoking, thrilling and passionate.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
6 May 2026
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Then on May 1, amid the full moon in Scorpio, Venus will harmonize with Saturn in Aries, presenting the opportunity for something fun and thought-provoking to become real.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Brown, who also recently said goodbye to Queer Eye, seems to be keeping busy with motivational videos, per his Instagram.—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
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Shetty’s On Purpose is a popular motivational podcast, which also features interviews with celebrities, wellness experts and more.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2026
Adjective
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Novelty refers to experiences that feel new, fresh, unfamiliar or psychologically stimulating.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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But don't be discouraged, as today's disruptions could end up leading you toward something fresh, inspiring and intellectually stimulating.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Even that description sounds too edgy.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
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Your 11th House of Friends hums as nurturing Moon opposes edgy Chiron in your 5th House of Creativity, asking balance between group plans and personal flair.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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