# provocative

/pɹoʊˈvɑkətɪv/ (US) · /pɹəvˈɒkətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/provocative
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. causing thought or anger

adjective · CEFR B2

intended to make people think seriously or to make them angry and start an argument.

For teachers: serving or tending to elicit a strong, often confrontational or intellectual response; deliberately challenging conventional ideas.

- The professor gave a provocative speech that made the students question their own beliefs.
- The author's provocative essay on economic reform sparked a heated debate among policymakers and social critics alike.

Usage: Often used to describe art, journalism, or public statements.

### 2. sexually exciting

adjective · CEFR B2

intended to make someone feel sexual desire.

For teachers: serving or tending to excite or arouse sexual interest through appearance or behaviour.

- She wore a provocative dress to the party that drew everyone's attention.
- The marketing campaign was criticised for using provocative imagery that had little to do with the actual product being sold.

## Examples

- The artist is famous for his provocative paintings.
- The politician made several provocative comments during the interview that sparked a heated debate across social media.
- While some critics dismissed the film as merely provocative, others argued that its jarring imagery was a necessary tool to force the audience to confront uncomfortable social realities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.