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provocative

[pruh-vok-uh-tiv] / prəˈvɒk ə tɪv /




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.

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“It’s a provocative and humorous way of making a point, right? Which often the best communication does.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

True to his provocative reputation, he recently trolled an OpenAI executive on social media after she accidentally plugged Meta’s new app in a television appearance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

In a separate speech at the space conference, ACM Smyth added that "unfortunately we are seeing more and more irresponsible and provocative actions from our adversaries".

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

That trend has prompted researchers to investigate a provocative possibility: Are younger generations accumulating biological damage more quickly, causing their bodies to age faster than expected?

From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026

“Prime Minister Macmillan. President Eisenhower. Permit me to address you with the following statement: A provocative act is known to have been committed recently with regard to the Soviet Union by the American Air Force.”

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin




Vocabulary lists containing provocative


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