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
On Monday, Davis Gates didn’t do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago’s children are CTU’s kids, too.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The Second Lady offers a quick congratulations to the provocative conservative panelist.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Ava Lahey Ava Lahey originally auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2021, but was ultimately cut for posting provocative photos on Instagram.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 June 2025
And yet, when Sabrina Carpenter released the cover for her upcoming Man’s Best Friend album, social media was up in arms about the provocative artwork, which features the singer/songwriter on all fours with her hair being grabbed by a faceless person.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
The Second Lady offers a quick congratulations to the provocative conservative panelist.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Ava Lahey Ava Lahey originally auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2021, but was ultimately cut for posting provocative photos on Instagram.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 June 2025
And yet, when Sabrina Carpenter released the cover for her upcoming Man’s Best Friend album, social media was up in arms about the provocative artwork, which features the singer/songwriter on all fours with her hair being grabbed by a faceless person.
—Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 17 June 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 1 Jul. 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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