provocative

adjective

pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
Synonyms of provocative
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
a provocative question
provocative noun
provocatively adverb
provocativeness noun

Synonyms of provocative

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The former leader remains jailed while appealing a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year term over provocative drone flights, a saga that has tested South Korea’s democratic institutions. — Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 Stone finally returned with his most provocative and experimental album, 1971’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026 Elon Musk’s commemoration was characteristically digital and provocative. — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 In Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda cast people of color as Founders as a provocative gesture toward inclusion. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for provocative

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of provocative was in the 15th century

Rhymes for provocative

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Browse Nearby Words

provocation
provocative
provocatory
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Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke
provocative comments
provocatively adverb
provocativeness noun

Medical Definition

provocative

adjective
pro·​voc·​a·​tive prə-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
: serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provocative test for coronary spasm—The Journal of the American Medical Association

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Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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