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

Synonyms

• charged
• edgy
• exciting
• inciting
• instigating
• instigative
• piquing
• provoking
• stimulating

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

When faced with a provocative or forceful colleague, Judo executives don’t counter-punch. —Stephen Miles, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Full Body is the most provocative and risqué game on this list, but also perhaps the most thrilling. —Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025

The 32,000-square-foot homage to everything X rated is an ideal place for adults (18 and over) to throw a provocative bash. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025

But stars could still honor the artist's provocative aesthetic in another label, as Ashley Olsen proved in vintage Dior couture. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for provocative

• evocative
• talkative
• vocative

Kids 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