provocateur

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.

The reader doesn’t discover much about how Mansfield’s work was shaped by changing personal circumstances, from hectic bohemia to a series of continental spas, and learns too little about Mansfield’s achievements as a literary provocateur.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

By God, let’s go with indie provocateur Gregg Araki’s conception of him: Robert Redford, a titan who hatched an independent film festival from his head like he was Zeus and passed away this September.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

Witty and mischievous, a punster and provocateur, Man Ray excelled as a photographer, filmmaker and object-maker.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

Right-wing provocateur Dinesh D’Souza — an Indian-American who was raised Catholic but became a born-again Christian — has also faced racist attacks.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

With him, the composer as agent provocateur had arrived.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall