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 students maintain that the conversations consisted largely of deliberately provocative jokes, internet memes and political exaggerations that were never intended as genuine threats. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 The provocative photo is the latest in a string of daring fashion moments from the Grammy-winning singer, who has continued to command attention with her unapologetic style. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 My comedy is often read as provocative for provocation’s sake or always in deliberate bad taste. — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 While a bright teen with auditory hallucinations makes for a fun, provocative lead character, screenwriter-director Kelly never goes much beyond the surface zaniness of Donnie. — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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