provocative

adjective

prə-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce provocative (audio)
Definition of provocativenext
as in exciting
serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction a provocative editorial that sparked a heated discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
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. — 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
  1. exciting
  2. charged
  3. provoking
  4. stimulating
  5. edgy
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of charged
Adjective
  • 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
  • Her work is technically amazing, thought provoking and has tons of heart.
    — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024
Definition of provoking
Adjective
  • Warehousing, traditionally seen as labor-intensive and repetitive, is now evolving into a field that offers more engaging and intellectually stimulating opportunities.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Keep them engaged with cat trees, puzzle feeders, or other stimulating activities.
    — Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Definition of stimulating
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of edgy

Browse Nearby Words

provocative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on provocative

Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-in-disguise
Rhyme Disguise Quiz Pair up words that look different but sound alike.
See All