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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This, plus the new weapon mechanics, Focus attacks, and traversal system, make for a fresh and exciting new entry in the series.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
11 Feb. 2025
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The Bachelor alum, 33, welcomed her second baby, a girl, with husband Taylor Mock on Wednesday, Feb. 5, announcing the exciting news in an Instagram post on Saturday, Feb. 8.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
10 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 company has consistently built its brand awareness with comedic, edgy marketing that pokes fun at the fact that most water brands are relatively boring.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2025
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At the heart of it all for our family was Toppings, the sweet and edgy yogurt shop with a cool personality.—
The Editors of AD,
Architectural Digest,
7 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocative. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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