provocative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
- half-provocative adjective
- nonprovocative adjective
- nonprovocatively adverb
- nonprovocativeness noun
- provocatively adverb
- provocativeness noun
- quasi-provocative adjective
- quasi-provocatively adverb
- unprovocative adjective
- unprovocatively adverb
- unprovocativeness noun
Etymology
Origin of provocative
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word prōvocātīvus. See provocation, -ive
Explanation
If something is provocative, it provokes a reaction. A provocative book might get people talking about a controversial idea. A provocative statement, such as "I hate babies," will get another kind of reaction. The action, thought, or feeling is often a desired one, called forth on purpose. In fact, provocative is often used to describe actions or ways of dressing that cause sexual feelings. But provocative things can also call forth something unwanted: "She was angered by the provocative remarks." This adjective was borrowed from French provocatif, from Late Latin provocativus "calling forth," from Latin provocare "to call forth, challenge."
Vocabulary lists containing provocative
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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100 Top "SAT" Words
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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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.
For one, he doesn’t have the provocative paper trail that Dhillon has.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
Donald Trump is no stranger to provocative language.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
Some sports media types believe SI is largely a nostalgia play in a landscape where young fans go elsewhere for game highlights and turn to provocative hosts such as Pat McAfee on YouTube.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026
Police said most people behaved peacefully but they saw "provocative conduct and the heavy use of pyrotechnics and fireworks - despite various warnings being issued against this".
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
He continued his speech, citing more myths about TB, and when he was done the moderator thanked him for giving a provocative talk.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
