Meaning of provocative in English

1. Pronunciation

   /prəˈvɑkədɪv/

   US accent

   How to pronounce provocative in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce provocative in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Classifying Adjective

   provocative

   Definitions

   1. exciting sexual desire

   Examples

   • « her gestures and postures became more wanton and provocative »

   Synonyms

   • sexy

2. Qualitative Adjective

   provocative

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from Old French provocatif, -ive, from late Latin provocativus, from provocat-‘called forth, challenged’, from the verb provocare (see provoke)

   Definitions

   1. serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate

   Examples

   • « stimulating discussion or exciting controversy »
   • « a provocative remark »
   • « a provocative smile »
   • « provocative Irish tunes which...compel the hearers to dance- Anthony Trollope »

   Synonyms

   • agitative
   • agitating
   • provoking
   • challenging
   • intriguing
   • charged
   • incendiary
   • incitive
   • inflammatory
   • instigative
   • rabble-rousing
   • seditious
   • rousing

   Antonyms

   • unprovocative
   • unprovoking

See also

• exciting