provocative
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Murphy lays out a provocative agenda for Democrats to call Americans to national service, break up corporate power, rebuild local communities, and create a bigger tent that reaches disaffected conservatives hungry for change.
From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026
I thought Bill Shaikin’s column on the Dodgers ruining baseball was good and provocative.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2026
Finally, be wary of “rage bait” — intentionally provocative messages or content designed to boost engagement on social media platforms by eliciting negative reactions.
From Science Daily • Jun. 16, 2026
China "firmly opposes" the acts and has warned the Dutch side to immediately stop its "provocative" actions, it added.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
More work on this provocative thesis is clearly needed.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
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.
