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.

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

From BBC

Then in the spirit of springtime renewal, thought-provoking plays like “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “Fences” will leave audiences in contemplation before festive summer item “Boop! The Musical” swoops in to lift spirits.

From Los Angeles Times

The note also concedes that the scenario projected by Citrini’s researchers is “thought-provoking” and throws up conditions and circumstances that do merit study and discussion.

From MarketWatch

They can be funny, sad, heartwarming, reflective, thought-provoking or surprising.

From Los Angeles Times

"Coinbase remains committed to authentic, thought-provoking communication and to operating responsibly within the UK's regulatory framework," it said.

From BBC

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