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 The former leader remains jailed while appealing a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year term over provocative drone flights, a saga that has tested South Korea’s democratic institutions. — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Stone finally returned with his most provocative and experimental album, 1971’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026 Elon Musk’s commemoration was characteristically digital and provocative. — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 In Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda cast people of color as Founders as a provocative gesture toward inclusion. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 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
  • This project might strike you as dystopian and disturbing, or exciting and encouraging – and its ethical soundness comes down to a few key factors, several experts told CNN.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Francisco Lindor is one of the most exciting and appealing players in the history of the New York Mets.
    — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 25 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
  • Use the clarifying, prolific, and motivational energy to your benefit by painting, sculpting, or writing your heart out.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • The former stockbroker now works as a writer and motivational speaker.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • Tang and co-founder Joe Hollier noted the OS is designed to be less stimulating, from its monochrome appearance to the launcher that simply displays a list of tools rather than expressive app icons.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
  • During those hours, stores lower lights where possible, turn off the radio and display static images on television walls to create a less stimulating environment.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • Her tattoos and brunette bangs hint at a bohemian persona, but her glossy-looking album covers and easygoing interview responses aren’t very edgy.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
  • From street style to festival style, stars like Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner and Charli XCX have brought boots from the edgy and romantic luxury brand Ann Demeulemeester into their 2026 wardrobes.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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