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Showing results for provocative. Search instead for provocativel.
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

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

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

I’d sworn I wouldn’t go past the end of the village, but it’s a woman’s provocative to change her mind.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver