thought-provoking

American

[thawt-pruh-voh-king] / ˈθɔt prəˌvoʊ kɪŋ /

adjective

causing one to ponder or reflect, as by raising questions or issues, introducing new ideas, etc..

The theater company has gained a reputation for high-quality performances that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

thought-provokingly

adverb

Etymology

Origin of thought-provoking

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The ways the siblings cope with their versions of reality are quite different, quite haunting and quite thought-provoking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

"Coinbase remains committed to authentic, thought-provoking communication and to operating responsibly within the UK's regulatory framework," it said.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Emma Barnett and John Simpson bring their pick of the most thought-provoking deep reads and analysis, every Saturday.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

In our bizarro world, the “Zootopia” franchise serves as a vehicle for thought-provoking subjects disseminated by way of colorful anthropomorphic animals.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Then she screwed on the cap really slowly, sort of puzzling her forehead, as though what Steph had asked was just incredibly thought-provoking or something.

From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023