evocative

adjective

evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈvä-kə-tiv How to pronounce evocative (audio)
Synonyms of evocative
: evoking or tending to evoke an especially emotional response
… settings … so evocative that they bring tears to the eyes …—Eric Malpass
evocatively adverb
evocativeness noun

Synonyms of evocative

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Examples of evocative in a Sentence

He wrote a powerful and evocative biography. the Italian-American restaurant is decorated in a manner evocative of the charming outdoor cafés in Italy
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 album’s mood is evocative of a hot summer’s day; the combination of live-wire drum breaks and breezy keys suggests the feeling of dipping your toes in the ocean when the temperature outside is pushing 90. — Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 The evocative title is a quotation from the 13th century Persian poet Rumi. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 The doors, which are not found in Homer’s poem, are evocative of the screen between priest and penitent in Catholic confession—a setting that Nolan, who was raised Catholic, would be familiar with. — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 Kitty’s strapless purple gown—complete with a sweetheart neckline—is evocative of Diana’s famous purple Victor Edelstein dress, worn famously in 1991 and 1997. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for evocative

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of evocative was in 1657

Rhymes for evocative

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Browse Nearby Words

evocation
evocative
evocatively
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Cite this Entry

“Evocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evocative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

evocative

adjective
evoc·​a·​tive i-ˈväk-ət-iv How to pronounce evocative (audio)
: having the power to evoke an especially emotional response
an evocative photograph

More from Merriam-Webster on evocative

Nglish: Translation of evocative for Spanish Speakers

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