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
Beyond the series’ provocative premise, its most resonant moments belong to Harbour.
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
There was already this sort of more classical literary style and these more ornate sentences that are doing three different things at once, and some of the playfulness and the provocative and the prurient and the spiritual kind of call to care for the least of the people.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
The San Francisco Film Festival is back this week with its dependably deep and provocative lineup, including the latest offering the East Bay’s own Boots Riley.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
The provocative headline no doubt helped.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
There was already this sort of more classical literary style and these more ornate sentences that are doing three different things at once, and some of the playfulness and the provocative and the prurient and the spiritual kind of call to care for the least of the people.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
The San Francisco Film Festival is back this week with its dependably deep and provocative lineup, including the latest offering the East Bay’s own Boots Riley.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
The provocative headline no doubt helped.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 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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The coaches’ office is no bigger than a janitor’s closet, but the yellow brick walls are lined with championship pictures, motivational quotes, magazine covers of female athletes, soccer star Hope Solo, and accomplishments of each coach.—
PJ Green
April 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
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That is not motivational optimism.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 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 4 May. 2026.
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