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Synonyms

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.


Other Word 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 book has enough thought-provoking elements to keep readers transfixed as our own year comes to an end.

From The Wall Street Journal

Where “Warhead” does look ahead, it is by turns thought-provoking and terrifying.

From The Wall Street Journal

For a while we had fun, slipping into an easy rhythm, having thought-provoking conversations and sharing things about our upbringing that affect us today and ways to break cycles.

From Los Angeles Times

Italy's problems on that front are currently on display at the Museum of the Patriarchy, a thought-provoking new exhibition in Rome.

From BBC

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