as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
Scolding carnivores everywhere on Meat is Murder’s provocative six-minute title track, Morrissey began his long career as pop music’s most confrontational vegetarian.
—
Al Shipley, SPIN, 20 Apr. 2026
One, Pope Francis was kind of intentionally provocative.
—NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
That clear reference to a certain occupant of the White House and his political movement is by no means McKenzie’s most provocative statement on matters of urgent relevance.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
This is the 11th anniversary of this often provocative and consistently pleasing festival, with films screening from April 24 to May 3 at the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center, and it is embellished by something new.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Al Shipley, SPIN, 20 Apr. 2026
One, Pope Francis was kind of intentionally provocative.
—NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
That clear reference to a certain occupant of the White House and his political movement is by no means McKenzie’s most provocative statement on matters of urgent relevance.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
This is the 11th anniversary of this often provocative and consistently pleasing festival, with films screening from April 24 to May 3 at the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center, and it is embellished by something new.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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But that exciting crash sequence — from initial turbulence through to catastrophic Pacific Ocean landing — is where high-stakes action specialist Harlin is most firmly in his sweet spot.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
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Friends, networks and social circles can bring exciting connections now.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 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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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
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Indeed, Lee’s work tends to be rich, thought-provoking, and hyper-personal, but fully engaging in her use of clever materials and the occasional laugh-out-loud punchline.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Senior pitcher/second baseman Ellie Peck, a Lewis recruit who reached base three times and scored three runs, confirmed that Kuefler’s motivational ploy seems to be working.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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After being released from prison, Belfort became an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In this Air sign, desire is playful, youthful and mentally stimulating.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
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His guiding goal was to develop and produce world premieres or plays that only had a few previous productions — laser-focused on intellectually and emotionally stimulating dramas, comedies and musicals.—
Bill Hirschman,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The 50-year-old actress turned heads in New York City on Wednesday, April 22, showcasing a sophisticated yet edgy monochromatic look.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
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Amid a week-long February flood in Los Angeles, the 30-year-old singer is working every angle for her VIBE photoshoot, fitted in a Poetic Justice-esque paperboy cap, white corset top, edgy denim jeans, and white high heels.—
Adelle Platon,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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