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
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Recent Examples of provocative
Sign up for the Race/Related Newsletter Join a deep and provocative exploration of race, identity and society with New York Times journalists.
—
Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
China has fired back at President Donald Trump, dismissing his claim that Beijing has seized control of the Panama Canal as baseless and provocative.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Noel King We were reminded in the first half of our show that Donald Trump has actually been talking about Greenland in provocative ways since 2019.
—Avishay Artsy, Vox, 25 Jan. 2025
However, with provocative policies already lining up from the incoming US administration, there are concerns that this year will see periods of turbulence and volatility.
—Daniel Webber, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Jordyn Holman, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2025
China has fired back at President Donald Trump, dismissing his claim that Beijing has seized control of the Panama Canal as baseless and provocative.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Noel King We were reminded in the first half of our show that Donald Trump has actually been talking about Greenland in provocative ways since 2019.
—Avishay Artsy, Vox, 25 Jan. 2025
However, with provocative policies already lining up from the incoming US administration, there are concerns that this year will see periods of turbulence and volatility.
—Daniel Webber, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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There are much more exciting names rumoured to be available — Seth Jones and Bowen Byram come to mind — who don’t protect the slot as well as Ristolainen has this season.—
Murat Ates,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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These moments can be exciting, ratcheting up the tension of an encounter as natural forces and world physics impact the flow of the game.—
Josh Broadwell,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
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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From simple robot-building kits to visually stimulating tablets, children nowadays grow up with technology similar to how their parents or grandparents grew up with simple toys.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
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Beginning in April, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will showcase the visually stimulating abstract paintings of American conceptual artist Adam Pendleton.—
Laura Kiniry,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The edgy location complemented the outerwear on show.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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If there were any doubts about whether the Premier League title run-in had started, the edgy atmosphere at Anfield for the closing stages of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers dispelled them.—
Andy Jones,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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