The meaning of PROVOCATIVE is serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate. How to use provocative in a sentence.

provocative adjective (MAKE ANGRY) causing an angry reaction, usually intentionally: a provocative question / remark

If you describe something as provocative, you mean that it is intended to make people react angrily or argue against it. He has made a string of outspoken and sometimes provocative speeches in recent …

Definition of provocative adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Feb 21, 2026 · provocative (comparative more provocative, superlative most provocative) Serving or tending to elicit a strong, often negative sentiment in another person; exasperating.

The comprehensive definition of provocative. Includes pronunciation, synonyms, etymology, and usage examples to help you master this word.

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word provocative, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

PROVOCATIVE definition: tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing. See examples of provocative used in a sentence.

Provocative refers to something that incites a response or makes people think deeply, often by challenging thoughts or feelings.

Learn the definition of 'Provocative'. Check out the pronunciation, synonyms and grammar. Browse the use examples 'Provocative' in the great English corpus.