as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
In Oakland, he’s charged with murder under the provocative act theory, with prosecutors alleging he and his cousin, Roosevelt Jones, robbed a man who fought back and killed Jones lawfully.
—
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
An architect by training, Censori, 31, has been an enigmatic and largely silent fixture in West’s orbit for years, making her statements mostly through provocative performance art that often incorporates public nudity.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Moshfegh, who pairs regressive politics with a wild, provocative humor, is an obvious influence on Dimes Square novels.
—Malavika Kannan, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
Though provocative then and now, there is a rigor to the design of Gernreich’s monokini that is akin to that of Achille Castiglioni’s Arco Lamp, which was designed just a few years earlier.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026
An architect by training, Censori, 31, has been an enigmatic and largely silent fixture in West’s orbit for years, making her statements mostly through provocative performance art that often incorporates public nudity.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Moshfegh, who pairs regressive politics with a wild, provocative humor, is an obvious influence on Dimes Square novels.
—Malavika Kannan, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
Though provocative then and now, there is a rigor to the design of Gernreich’s monokini that is akin to that of Achille Castiglioni’s Arco Lamp, which was designed just a few years earlier.
—Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
-
Kurt's key takeaways Security updates rarely feel exciting.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Houston should be one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, and that’s in large part because of Flemings.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
At a charged political moment, her relatively sober look seemed intended to keep the focus on POTUS.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
12 Dec. 2025
-
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
-
Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But the arithmetic exercise is thought-provoking, nonetheless.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Wood is a former model and actor who has since become a motivational speaker, according to his Facebook, and a breathwork instructor, according to his Instagram.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Pereira’s side should possess the motivational edge, even if Fulham still have distant hopes of qualifying for European football.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Chuck Reger, franchise business coach at Five Star Painting, says bright red is highly stimulating and naturally increases alertness.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
-
American ginseng has a slightly different chemical makeup and is considered less stimulating than its Asian counterpart.—
PubSubHub User,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Venus’ alignment with Saturn makes a morning dispute edgy!—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
-
However, many around town consider the production cost for an original, edgy, high-art movie, with an actress who is still nascent in her career as far as marquee value goes, to be way too much.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
