as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocative
The 1994 hit, known for its pulsating synths and provocative lyrics, is one of Nine Inch Nails’ most recognizable songs, charting in the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and leaving an impact on rock and electronic music.
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Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025
Amidst the flurry of executive actions and provocative statements, many Americans are left wondering when Trump’s momentum will start to slow down.
—Khel Gordhan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Relocating to Shanghai, the provocative brand quickly built a name for boundary-pushing, body-skimming and altering designs.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Starring Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae and Claudia Kim, the provocative Korean drama follows a wealthy lawyer, who decides to defend a killer, being confronted by his righteous brother over a heated dinner conversation.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 12 Mar. 2025
Amidst the flurry of executive actions and provocative statements, many Americans are left wondering when Trump’s momentum will start to slow down.
—Khel Gordhan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Relocating to Shanghai, the provocative brand quickly built a name for boundary-pushing, body-skimming and altering designs.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Starring Sul Kyung-gu, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Hee-ae and Claudia Kim, the provocative Korean drama follows a wealthy lawyer, who decides to defend a killer, being confronted by his righteous brother over a heated dinner conversation.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocative
Adjective
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In battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, death is an immediate elimination, which can frustrate streamers trying to get exciting footage for their viewers — and there’s nothing more exciting than a win.—
Alyssa Mercante,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2025
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Massive tour coaches with comically large high-flotation tires are occasional sights on the park’s other roadways, but snowmobiles are much faster and more exciting mounts that allow unfettered views of the stunning park vistas and wildlife.—
Jeremy Korzeniewski,
Robb Report,
20 Mar. 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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So if the breath bores the crap out of you, an auditory or visual anchor might be more stimulating or enjoyable.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2025
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However, the same analysis also noted that behavior problems were only at their most prevalent if the post-divorce home environment was deemed less supportive and stimulating than the previous.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Not relegated to the bedroom alone, these fixtures can bring vibrancy to any space—as is evident in the bathroom of this timeless, edgy Massachusetts home.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
19 Mar. 2025
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Sam Edelman Bianka Sling in Granada Tan Leopard print is forever neutral; Milan catwalks are famed for sending edgy leopard prints down the runway.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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