provocative

adjective

prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
Definition of provocativenext
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

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 The festival brings together influential and provocative political, cultural, business, tech, and climate leaders for in-depth interviews, timely forums, book talks, screenings, and networking opportunities. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … ZERO REGRETS – Hasan Piker stands by 'intentionally provocative' claims that Hamas is 'a thousand times better' than Israel. — FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 There are accounts out there that don't post provocative content; for example, one DJ posts his live sets and exclusive streams to his OnlyFans account. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 He has been criticized for making provocative statements about Jews. — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
  1. exciting
  2. charged
  3. provoking
  4. motivational
  5. stimulating
  6. edgy
Adjective
  • May 19 Just three months before her death, Panettiere releases her candid memoir detailing the progression of a once-exciting, new relationship that quickly escalated into years of domestic violence.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Romero holds a 17-2 record with 13 KOs, while Lopez stands at 22-2 with 13 KOs, promising an exciting clash.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  • Her death became another motivational factor in Diomandé’s meteoric rise through the sport.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Friday kicks off with a Super Girl Rising Tide event, where the pro surfers surf alongside younger surfers and hold a motivational talk on the sand.
    — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of motivational
Adjective
  • That’s really the most stimulating, but not necessarily on camera.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The study doesn’t prove that mentally stimulating activities protect the brain, but the findings fit with a growing body of research suggesting that cognitive engagement helps reduce the risk of dementia.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • There is a seamlessness to the way the body panels blend into each other, conveying a stance that manages to be monolithic and solid without venturing into edgy brick territory.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lacing and hardware gave a pair of black jeans an edgier look.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of edgy

Browse Nearby Words

provocations
provocative
provocatively
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Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on provocative

Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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