as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
As a result, their valuable insights have rarely amounted to more than provocative cocktail chatter.
—
Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025
But, in my experience, ChatGPT goes a step further, stringing users along with unrequited offers and provocative questions.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
The murder charges have been filed under the provocative act theory, which applies to cases where the victim of a violent crime kills someone in self-defense.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025
Named to Oprah’s Book Club in July, this provocative bestselling novel questions personal ethics, responsibility and the dangers of artificial intelligence.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025
But, in my experience, ChatGPT goes a step further, stringing users along with unrequited offers and provocative questions.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
The murder charges have been filed under the provocative act theory, which applies to cases where the victim of a violent crime kills someone in self-defense.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025
Named to Oprah’s Book Club in July, this provocative bestselling novel questions personal ethics, responsibility and the dangers of artificial intelligence.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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This Thursday’s episode of The Run-Through covers a lot of exciting ground.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
25 Sep. 2025
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Milk is a classic cookie counterpart, but Addison also recommends a side of Greek yogurt for something a little more exciting (and surprising).—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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For context, geomagnetic storms are caused by fiery eruptions from the sun's surface that send charged particles zipping toward our planet.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
20 May 2025
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The ceremony came at a charged moment, coinciding with Columbia University canceling its graduation ceremony (and largely closing off its campus).—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2024
Adjective
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His biggest critique is not having enough time to answer all the thought-provoking questions that came at the end.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
23 Sep. 2025
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To other researchers not involved in the project, the images in the paper and the revelations about the tubules’ structure are thought-provoking.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Hot Ones host Sean Evans delivered a poignant motivational speech during a surprise appearance on popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3 livestream on Wednesday, offering insight and advice related to patience and perseverance wrapped in his signature down-to-earth style.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
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Beyond its use as a motivational tool, the Army of Drones program allows the high command in Kyiv to adjust the targets their forces prioritize.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Integrating dogs into the workplace can reduce the stress of worrying about them all day, and also potentially save employees money in monitoring cameras and stimulating activities when left home alone.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Our conversations were always insightful and engaging, a truly stimulating exchange of ideas.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Zeroing in on racingcore, no less, the collection featured an edgy varsity jacket inspired by mechanics’ gear on the racetrack.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
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Italian denim brand Diesel has been a fixture on the scene since the 1970s, celebrated for its edgy and irreverent styles that defined Italian streetwear.—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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