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Showing results for provocative. Search instead for provocativ.
Definitions

provocative

[pruh-vok-uh-tiv] / prəˈvɒk ə tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
aggravating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
challenging disturbing exciting inspirational insulting offensive outrageous
WEAK
annoying galling goading heady incensing inciting influential intoxicating provoking pushing spurring stimulant stimulating
Antonyms
STRONGEST
pleasing
WEAK
repressive suppressive unexciting unprovocative unstimulating
ADJECTIVE
sexually stimulating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alluring exciting interesting intriguing seductive sexy
WEAK
arousing enchanting erotic heady intoxicating inviting stimulating suggestive tantalizing tempting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
boring unexciting unstimulating
WEAK
repressive suppressive unprovocative

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.

Donald Trump is no stranger to provocative language.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Police said most people behaved peacefully but they saw "provocative conduct and the heavy use of pyrotechnics and fireworks - despite various warnings being issued against this".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

There’s a difference between making something provocative and outright, intentional provocation.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Heavily metaphoric and less intimately provocative than the French writer-director’s previous movies, “Alpha” is a domestic drama that may not necessarily be set at the end of the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

I didn’t say anything, I just waited for him to explain, because he never says anything provocative without explaining himself.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman