as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
To claim that this is not provocative is to ignore America's own reaction to Russian missiles in Cuba.
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Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The movie’s sharp humor and layered storytelling explore themes of faith and ambition in a way that feels both fresh and provocative.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
To photograph her as a model, in the bold outfits and provocative poses that advertising and editorial employ, renders that photographic language distinctly visible, and critiquable.
—Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024
The provocative online personality, Johnny Somali, could be jailed for up to five years for his antics and his trial is due to start on December 20, according to YouTube lawyer Legal Mindset.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
The movie’s sharp humor and layered storytelling explore themes of faith and ambition in a way that feels both fresh and provocative.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
To photograph her as a model, in the bold outfits and provocative poses that advertising and editorial employ, renders that photographic language distinctly visible, and critiquable.
—Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024
The provocative online personality, Johnny Somali, could be jailed for up to five years for his antics and his trial is due to start on December 20, according to YouTube lawyer Legal Mindset.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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Less exciting to me, though, are the directors who appear to be capitalizing on that trend by incorporating music into their films, but seemingly without any understanding of what makes a musical actually good.Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 2024
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While your side hustle may be exciting, overcommitting can lead to burnout.Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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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Verghese said caregivers and loved ones could also engage in cognitively and mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, cards, and strategy games to keep the brain active.Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2024
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Compounds with stimulating effects have been used by humans for millennia, sometimes in war for the purposes of alleviating fear or increasing alertness.Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Their performance is characteristically edgy and wildly daring, while retaining a propulsive sense of swing that nods to Ra’s early big-band days.George Varga, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024
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Slouchy jeans that are also distressed definitely give off an edgier vibe and can help add texture to your ‘fit.Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 11 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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