PROVOCATIVE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

provocative

adjective

prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv

Definition of provocative

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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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 Sydney Sweeney sparked widespread backlash following the release of her provocative campaign for a sports trading app. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 At a time when even intentionally provocative genre films can’t keep up with the pace of futurism, Minhaj and Venkataramanujam also use their topical chops to make this bubbly effort particularly of the moment. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 His provocative celebrity coverage throughout the 2000s and 2010s also generated years of controversy and several lawsuits. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 Bob Mackie, the fashion designer whose visually provocative Hollywood style defined glamour for the 1970s -- including putting Carol Burnett in some of her kookiest getups and Cher in her raciest ones -- died Monday. — Mark Kennedy The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative

Adjective

Reminiscent in some ways of Sidney Lumet’s landmark first feature, 12 Angry Men, McCarthy finds an exciting way to shoot this tight room without ever being rote.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026
Nothing terribly exciting is happening inside this three-bedroom, but there’s lots of light and a respectable amount of space, and the beach is just a few minutes away.

— Nora Deligter, Curbed, 2 Oct. 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

According to her TikTok profile, Velasquez is a motivational speaker and author with more than 940,000 followers on the platform.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026
Swayze, who McDonnell had worked with once before, played motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, who was revealed to be in possession of child pornography in the movie.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of motivational

Adjective

These adaptogenics also cost as much, if not more, than alcoholic spirits, such as Three Spirit, which incorporates ingredients such as guayusa (stimulating effects), damiana (aphrodisiac effects) and valerian (stress-relieving effects).

— Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026
Often found in skin care products in light of their ability to proliferate collagen, peptides fare equally well in hair products by virtue of their follicle-stimulating, scalp-soothing benefits.

— Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulating

Adjective

From 56 percent off combat boots that bring an edgy finish to polished fall outfits to under-$100 sleek walking sneakers that seamlessly transition from cidery visits to cozy dinners, these Vionic deals shouldn’t be missed.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
While leather jackets have a deep history and utilitarian roots, the piece has become a signifying element of alternative style and edgy, punk sensibility.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of edgy

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provocations

provocative

provocatively

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“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of provocative

adjective

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