provocative

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

Some sports media types believe SI is largely a nostalgia play in a landscape where young fans go elsewhere for game highlights and turn to provocative hosts such as Pat McAfee on YouTube.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Daniel Rood gives short shrift to such “historically amnesiac tourism”; with “In the Shadow of the Great House,” he provides a provocative history of the plantation, one that spans continents and centuries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The first time “Buffy” ended, Gellar attempted to shake off the slayer with a slew of fascinating, genuinely provocative roles that utilized her skillset.

From Salon • 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