provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv 
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
a provocative question
provocative
noun
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Examples of provocative in a Sentence
a thoughtful and provocative book
It was one of his more provocative suggestions.
She was wearing a very provocative outfit.
Recent Examples on the Web
The episode’s depiction of moral compromises was considered too provocative for Indian sensibilities.
—
Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
The viral image purporting to show Trump's Truth Social post is fake and contains provocative language that does not reflect the president's stance on dual citizenship.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Despite criticism, the Texas Democrat has doubled down on her provocative statement.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Wander through provocative photography exhibits at Halle 14 and shop for elegant coral-like sculptures at Claudia Biehne’s studio and shop.
—Andrew Richdale, AFAR Media, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025
The viral image purporting to show Trump's Truth Social post is fake and contains provocative language that does not reflect the president's stance on dual citizenship.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Despite criticism, the Texas Democrat has doubled down on her provocative statement.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
Wander through provocative photography exhibits at Halle 14 and shop for elegant coral-like sculptures at Claudia Biehne’s studio and shop.
—Andrew Richdale, AFAR Media, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively
adverb
provocativeness
noun
Medical Definition
provocative
adjective
pro·voc·a·tive
prə-ˈväk-ət-iv
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasm—The Journal of the American Medical Association
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