Synonyms

thought-provoking

American

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

adjective

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.

Maezawa abruptly cancelled the mission, leaving the crew to pick up the pieces of their disrupted lives - the experience informed Adam's thought provoking project.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025

For Kuang — who at 26 has built a devoted following for her deeply researched and thought provoking fantasy novels — publishing a scorched-earth satirical takedown of the publishing industry was creatively and professionally risky.

From New York Times • May 12, 2023

The intention, she says, is to “make sure the information I’m providing is not only the most current and up to date, but also the most thought provoking and creative solutions for them.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2022

“But music has a way of provoking thought, provoking reflection and challenging social norms in ways that aren’t immediately threatening.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 22, 2019

The quips are thought provoking, without being too harsh or hurting.

From Truth and the Myth : Couplets quips by Narayanan, A. R.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023