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
Who gets to tell the story is, to me, one of the most interesting and provocative questions in any dynamic, particularly a family one.
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Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
Like Butler, Matsoukas is known for her provocative brand of storytelling and its unique and inherently multicultural point of view.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
After that provocative setup, Dream Scenario unfortunately devolved into a feeble, simplistic cancel-culture satire.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
He is best known for his provocative style that explores themes of sexuality, power and moral ambiguity.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
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Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
Like Butler, Matsoukas is known for her provocative brand of storytelling and its unique and inherently multicultural point of view.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
After that provocative setup, Dream Scenario unfortunately devolved into a feeble, simplistic cancel-culture satire.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
He is best known for his provocative style that explores themes of sexuality, power and moral ambiguity.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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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