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

Derived 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.

This can be thought-provoking or entertaining, and often holds power to account in the same way mainstream journalists do.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Emma Barnett and John Simpson bring their pick of the most thought-provoking deep reads and analysis, every Saturday.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

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 • Nov. 28, 2025

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 • Nov. 25, 2025

All that thought-provoking conversation and the culinary brilliance of Chef Philippe, not to mention the long walk to the Piazza Hotel and the bumpy ride back, had eaten up a substantial portion of the day.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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