as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
Romantic in an overt way, and unashamed of its provocative nature.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Cluely might have deployed a few provocative stunts to raise millions of dollars for a service that didn’t really work and could barely be said to exist, but Donald Boat did away with even the pretense.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Shaped by for-profit viral and ad-targeting algorithms, it was drawn to ideas that were lurid, divisive, and provocative.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
The provocative, genre-defying horror flick boasts unhinged gore, a delightfully dark sense of humor, Madigan as the creepiest aunt ever, and a crowd-pleasing finale.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
Cluely might have deployed a few provocative stunts to raise millions of dollars for a service that didn’t really work and could barely be said to exist, but Donald Boat did away with even the pretense.
—Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Shaped by for-profit viral and ad-targeting algorithms, it was drawn to ideas that were lurid, divisive, and provocative.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
The provocative, genre-defying horror flick boasts unhinged gore, a delightfully dark sense of humor, Madigan as the creepiest aunt ever, and a crowd-pleasing finale.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Among the most exciting new releases this month are candid celebrity memoirs from a sitcom star and a 1980s East Village impresario; novels that explore outsider perspectives; and a father-son true story that speaks to a powerful if often cryptic bond.—
Hamilton Cain,
Time,
3 Mar. 2026
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There was an overwhelming amount of good eats, door openings and exciting restaurants on the radar.—
Ella Gonzales
March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 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
-
Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
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But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The experience also includes all the classic staples of a company retreat, including absurd team-building exercises, a series of motivational speakers and, uh, a group ASMR session.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Feb. 2026
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Consequences aren't good solutions Rewarding and punishing are motivational strategies, not problem-solving strategies.—
Ross W. Greene,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
American ginseng has a slightly different chemical makeup and is considered less stimulating than its Asian counterpart.—
PubSubHub User,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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Despite the name, kava tea contains no actual tea leaves and doesn’t have the stimulating effect of caffeine.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Vida, played by Gobel, is edgy, angry and withdrawn around the younger, more free-spirited and affectionate Dodie, played by Summer Broyhill.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
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Lighter shades will elevate and pair nicely with a white button-down shirt, for example, while a dark gray jean offers an edgy vibe when mixed with a sleek black top and leather handbag.—
Alexandre Marain,
Glamour,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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