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.

"This aspect needs to be managed. If North Korea acts in a provocative and belligerent manner, it could trigger regional conflict, which could run counter to China's interests," Hong said.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Winfree later distanced himself from the chapter’s more provocative proposals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

What we are watching with her is someone collecting new credibility with each provocative and unlikely alliance while the actual content of her work continues largely unexamined by the outlets that cover her rise.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

The findings raise a provocative possibility: some people may be told their B12 status is fine while their brains are already showing early signs of strain.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Then there was Dr. James Parkinson, who was also an early socialist and author of many provocative pamphlets with titles like "Revolution without Bloodshed."

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson