provocative

[pruh-vok-uh-tiv]

adjective

1. tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.

noun

1. something provocative.

provocative

/ prəˈvɒkətɪv /

adjective

1. acting as a stimulus or incitement, esp to anger or sexual desire; provoking

   a provocative look

   a provocative remark

Other Word Forms

• provocatively adverb
• provocativeness noun
• half-provocative adjective
• nonprovocative adjective
• nonprovocatively adverb
• nonprovocativeness noun
• quasi-provocative adjective
• quasi-provocatively adverb
• unprovocative adjective
• unprovocatively adverb
• unprovocativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of provocative¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word prōvocātīvus. See provocation, -ive

Example Sentences

He knows the inclusion is provocative but says that’s the point: to show how words can be twisted or emptied of meaning, including in debates over Israel’s war in Gaza.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics view the statue as provocative political theater.

From Salon

It’s a tricky balancing act that Feinartz depicts with candor, grace and patience, never letting the film’s provocative pathos turn overly grim or sentimental.

From Los Angeles Times

"Nudity must be coupled with other circumstances that make the visual depiction lascivious or sexually provocative," Judge Olguin wrote, quoting from an earlier ruling.

From BBC

The writer and director won an Oscar for Promising Young Woman in 2021, but is best known for last year's psychological thriller Saltburn, which gained cult status for a succession of provocative and confrontational scenes.

From BBC

Related Words

• challenging 
• disturbing 
• exciting 
• inspirational 
• insulting 
• offensive 
• outrageous