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
At nearly two hours, the tension can dissipate at times, but Moll and regular co-writer Gilles Marchand turn what could have been dry material into a provocative account of law enforcement in contemporary France.
—
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025
For Minnesota, the unexpected feedback from Beckham seemingly prompted the team to post another provocative claim at the expense of Miami.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 12 May 2025
The bans, which come amid President Trump’s hyper-focus on drug trafficking in Mexico, have sparked debates here about freedom of expression and state censorship and have raised provocative questions: Do narcocorridos merely reflect reality in a nation gripped by powerful drug gangs?
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
When faced with a provocative or forceful colleague, Judo executives don’t counter-punch.
—Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025
For Minnesota, the unexpected feedback from Beckham seemingly prompted the team to post another provocative claim at the expense of Miami.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 12 May 2025
The bans, which come amid President Trump’s hyper-focus on drug trafficking in Mexico, have sparked debates here about freedom of expression and state censorship and have raised provocative questions: Do narcocorridos merely reflect reality in a nation gripped by powerful drug gangs?
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
When faced with a provocative or forceful colleague, Judo executives don’t counter-punch.
—Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
19 May 2025
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There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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Of course, genocide is a charged and redolent term, recalling the systematic precision of the Holocaust and the society-wide butchery of the Rwandan genocide.—
Kristina Hook,
Foreign Affairs,
28 July 2022
Adjective
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Venture Colonialism There is arguably no single scholar more well versed, incisive, and thought provoking than Stern in analyzing the evolution of joint-stock corporations in the British Empire.—
Caroline Elkins,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Aug. 2023
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Her work is technically amazing, thought provoking and has tons of heart.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
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The stimulating effect of the caffeine in tea is balanced out by the relaxing effect of the L-theanine, resulting in a state of relaxed alertness.—
Andrew Weil,
Flow Space,
8 May 2025
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Use Treat-Dispensing Chew Toys Durable rubber toys stuffed with food are highly stimulating.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Acer doesn't have exact US pricing or delivery dates on these three edgy panels.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
18 May 2025
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The rise of edgy, anti-woke entertainers like Von highlights a broader strategy in Trump's political messaging—leveraging pop culture voices who resonate with disaffected or younger male voters.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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