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 That wasn’t the only provocative subject that came up during the latest Weekend Update. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026 Cold and bitter, yet still provocative, or at least trying to be. — Sofia Franklyn, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 Skarsgård’s 2026 red carpets have been defined by some provocative fashion moments, a signature of the actor’s playful persona. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 Sweeney put a provocative spin on the family-friendly classics for the latest campaign for her lingerie brand, Syrn. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 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
  • Perhaps less exciting is the fact her failures are more than just the flawed Edison machine.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The radio series takes in interviews with academic hormone specialists, including the team at Imperial College in London who are conducting some of the most exciting and innovative research in this area.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 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
  • Straker, the foul-mouthed, Daily Mail–provoking British chef, has made his way stateside.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Read Cep’s Profile of Kingsolver » Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books.
    — Casey Cep, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • On the columns of train stations, stickers bore the smiling faces of soldiers in their twenties alongside motivational quotes and the dates of their births and deaths.
    — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Though apparently diminishing his own roster is part of the team's motivational playbook.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • Those who understand quickly move forward, while those who need more time, a different explanation or a less stimulating environment can easily fall behind.
    — Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • These adaptogenics also cost as much, if not more, than alcoholic spirits, such as Three Spirit, which incorporates ingredients such as guayusa (stimulating effects), damiana (aphrodisiac effects) and valerian (stress-relieving effects).
    — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • Calle 13 became famous not just for its edgy rap and urban music, but also for loudly calling out the economic and social inequalities that afflicted Puerto Rico.
    — Helena Alonso Paisley, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
  • This will mark the first time a Steppenwolf production will be seen at a British venue famed for its long history of producing new works for the stage — often edgy and ambitious plays, albeit these days often with stars attached.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of edgy

Browse Nearby Words

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 3 Nov. 2026.

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