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 manager, Jordan Perry, whose theater has a history of provocative messaging, didn’t respond to Jewish Telegraphic Agency requests for comment. — Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Increasingly, the answer comes in the form of an intimacy coordinator — a role that Araki, long known for embracing provocative themes, employed for the first time on this project. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 July 2026 Despite being an intimate concentration, this fragrance lasts incredibly long and fills a room with its sweet, familiar, and provocative aroma. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 30 July 2026 They are expected to become wiser but not louder, visible but not vain, accomplished but not demanding, and well-preserved but not provocative. — Debbie Millman, Time, 25 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provocative. Accessed 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on provocative

Nglish: Translation of provocative for Spanish Speakers

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