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 Over the years, the provocative sound has drawn criticism − and even government bans – for promoting songs with themes of crime, drug use and violence. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 June 2026 The sleeveless body-skimming dress features a transparent mesh finish that left little to the imagination, totally transforming an otherwise classic LBD into something far more provocative (and brat-like). — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 25 June 2026 If the provocative language seems unexpected from a CBS News property, the surprise is part of the point. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 June 2026 Judges will seek uniqueness of vision, innovation and diversity in storytelling, as well as originality and provocative subject matter. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 23 June 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
  • We were treated to a commercial-free evening of exciting entertaining, educational, emotional and joyful programming.
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • The player in question is Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge, who has been described as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 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
  • The Best Books of the Year (So Far) Our editors and critics choose the most captivating, notable, brilliant, surprising, absorbing, weird, thought-provoking, and talked-about books.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • Chiarella has come up with an ingenious premise that is as twisted as it is thought-provoking.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Not everyone is ready right off the bat, but everyone has the motivational sparks and models to increase that willingness.
    — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • The motivational mantra that Eric coined to fire up his football players has taken on a life beyond the TV screen.
    — Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 30 June 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • Some dogs with severe dog anxiety may need to start with low-pressure options like scatter feeding before moving to more stimulating activities like a structured sniffari or formal scent work.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • However, once the moon slips into Aquarius, the atmosphere takes on a more cerebral, independent and mentally stimulating vibe.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • Tyler, after a brief recovery period, returned to the recording studio with a huskier, edgier voice.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Zendaya counted her sixth Emmy nom for the final season of Euphoria with a Best Actress Drama Series nod; the Spider-Man and Dune thespian already has two at home, with Drama Series Actress wins in 2020 and 2022 on HBO’s edgy HBO young-adult series.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 July 2026
Definition of edgy

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provocative
provocatively
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Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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