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 remark

   a provocative look

Derived Forms

• proˈvocatively, adverb
• proˈvocativeness, noun

Other Words From

• pro·voca·tive·ly adverb
• pro·voca·tive·ness noun
• half-pro·voca·tive adjective
• nonpro·voca·tive adjective
• nonpro·voca·tive·ly adverb
• nonpro·voca·tive·ness noun
• quasi-pro·voca·tive adjective
• quasi-pro·voca·tive·ly adverb
• unpro·voca·tive adjective
• unpro·voca·tive·ly adverb
• unpro·voca·tive·ness 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

What I found most provocative in “Babygirl” was the willingness to just ruin everything, and the contradictions and recklessness of the power struggle between them.

From Los Angeles Times

West is a ceramic artist known for her explorations of the human form in provocative ways.

From Los Angeles Times

Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio from west Belfast who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.

From BBC

‘Tongues Untied’: When the filmmaker, poet and activist Marlon Riggs died in 1994, he left behind several provocative and powerful documentary features and shorts, many of which are included in Ovid’s collection.

From New York Times

While these subjects make for provocative talking points, they’re not a major part of learning in most districts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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