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
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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
-
Each meal needs to be exciting, easy, healthy, and affordable.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This element of permanence is exciting to Stark, who has created looks for Beyoncé and has her own, body-positive line of lingerie called Panty.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
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Gosling voices the film’s thought-provoking questions about victimization and villainy with full commitment, and his rigidity — that tall posture, those limitless eyes — add another layer to the work.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Then and only then will Hafley begin to change the cosmetics of the locker room, doing things like putting up motivational signage and what not.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
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At times during her career, Close was viewed as an excellent recruiter and strong motivational speaker, but her tactical decisions were easy to question every time her team faltered during big moments.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Enjoy reading or mentally stimulating puzzles.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In addition to the dramatic style, Aguilera also added edgy micro bangs.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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But the company has no plans to allow edgier bets on the prediction app, Genetski said.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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