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
Synonyms
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
The former acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the first Trump administration has already made very provocative threats, such as promising to cut off federal funding to states or cities and jailing government officials for not complying with his deportation mandate.
—
Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
In the journalist’s provocative new work, Eve Babitz’s diary-like letters provide a window into her fellow literary titan, Joan Didion.
4.
—The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
The Believers Where to Watch: Netflix A provocative Thai series about three young entrepreneurs who attempt to spin a struggling Buddhist temple into a money-making business.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024
Shaw was booed by the home fans for the remainder of the first half who considered her celebration to be provocative.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocative 
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Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
In the journalist’s provocative new work, Eve Babitz’s diary-like letters provide a window into her fellow literary titan, Joan Didion.
4.
—The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
The Believers Where to Watch: Netflix A provocative Thai series about three young entrepreneurs who attempt to spin a struggling Buddhist temple into a money-making business.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Nov. 2024
Shaw was booed by the home fans for the remainder of the first half who considered her celebration to be provocative.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for provocative
Articles Related to provocative
Dictionary Entries Near provocative
Cite this Entry
“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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