thought-provoking

American  

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

adjective

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• thought-provokingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of thought-provoking

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thought-provoking

While she shares the finale to her story and those of others, her book is meant to be thought-provoking rather than conclusive.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026

Professional engineers have said Nakagawa's products can be aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking, but that his system is not practical.

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

A24 has positioned itself as the film industry’s rebel, funding new and emerging talents producing thought-provoking ideas.

From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026

They form a coda to Rana Dasgupta’s thought-provoking but rather chaotic book “After Nations: The Making and Unmaking of a World Order.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026

All that thought-provoking conversation and the culinary brilliance of Chef Philippe, not to mention the long walk to the Piazza Hotel and the bumpy ride back, had eaten up a substantial portion of the day.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• absorbing
• captivating
• exciting
• fascinating
• gripping
• inspirational
• interesting
• intriguing
• provocative
• riveting