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 That, like, part of what was provocative was actually just the existence and self-expression of LGBTQ Americans and people with AIDS and women. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 China said its operations were professional and lawful and urged the Philippines to stop its provocative actions infringing on Chinese territory. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 The songs feature confident lyricism and insights into the star’s personal life, and both arrived alongside provocative music videos that expand Black’s exciting and unique visual world. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 The Shards could similarly prove to be a sensationalized and provocative romp, given the tone of the source material and the general vibe of both Ellis’ literary works and Murphy’s shows. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 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
  • The Spanish royals’ Mallorca trip comes towards the end of an exciting summer, which saw the King, Queen and princesses travel to the United States to watch the Spanish national team win the 2026 World Cup.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Chilean duo’s latest only further establishes them as some of the most exciting makers of tangible, macabre visions on the world’s stage.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 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
  • Pushing harder won't work, and neither will motivational messaging.
    — Ayaskant Sarangi, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • While his exhortation left off Brady’s signature profane intensifier, the motivational gambit remained explicit even in the absence of the familiar F-bomb.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • Looking at screens up close for long periods is also very stimulating, which may leave us exhausted.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • From sharp Christian Louboutin pumps to edgy boots, and plenty of Saint Laurent designs, take a look at more of her standout shoe moments in 2026 below.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • This guest styled her cut-offs with a casual tee, light coat, leather bag, and edgy boots for more of a concert feel.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocative

Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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