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What is another word for Provocative? – 220 Provocative Synonyms

    Need another word for Provocative? Use these synonyms of Provocative from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    provocative controversial inflammatory incendiary contentious debatable disputable argumentative contentious sensitive volatile explosive sensitive offensive outrageous scandalous shocking disturbing irritating annoying vexing troubling bothersome offensive affronting insulting slighting disparaging derogatory demeaning degrading provocative alluring enticing tempting seductive attractive appealing inviting captivating intriguing thought-provoking stimulating challenging daring bold audacious impertinent impudent presumptuous forward brazen unabashed unapologetic

    Meaning of Provocative

    The primary meaning of "provocative" is causing anger, annoyance, or another strong reaction, typically intentionally.

    Definitions

    • Causing anger, annoyance, or another strong reaction, typically intentionally
    • Intended or likely to provoke a reaction, especially a strong or enthusiastic one
    • Arousing anger, annoyance, or other strong emotions, often intentionally

    Etymology of Provocative

    The word "provocative" originates from the Latin "provoke," which means to call forth or challenge, and the suffix "-ive," which forms an adjective indicating a tendency or capacity to do something
    Historically, the word has been used to describe actions, statements, or behaviors that intentionally elicit a response, often negative, from others

    Example Uses

    • The provocative statement sparked a heated debate among the audience members
    • Her provocative dress turned heads at the party
    • The artist's provocative paintings challenged the social norms of the time
    • The provocative article questioned the government's handling of the crisis

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    unprovocative inoffensive innocuous harmless noncontroversial uncontroversial unobjectionable acceptable tolerable moderate mild tame bland neutral innocuous anodyne vapid insipid dull uninteresting uninspiring unchallenging unthoughtful unreflective complacent conciliatory appeasing placating soothing calming reassuring comforting

    Related Nouns

    provocation controversy scandal outrage offense annoyance irritation vexation trouble disturbance commotion tumult uproar stir fuss bother provoker agent catalyst stimulant incentive motive reason cause occasion incident event situation circumstance context framework setting environment atmosphere mood tone attitude demeanor behavior conduct action reaction response reply retort comeback

    Related Verbs

    provoke irritate annoy vex trouble disturb offend insult outrage scandalize shock disturb bother tempt entice allure attract invite challenge stimulate arouse evoke elicit prompt inspire motivate influence persuade convince incite instigate foment spark ignite inflame exacerbate aggravate intensify

    Related Adjectives

    provocative controversial inflammatory incendiary contentious debatable disputable sensitive volatile explosive offensive outrageous scandalous shocking disturbing irritating annoying vexing troubling bothersome offensive affronting insulting slighting disparaging derogatory demeaning degrading alluring enticing tempting seductive attractive appealing inviting captivating intriguing thought-provoking stimulating challenging daring bold audacious impertinent impudent presumptuous forward brazen unabashed unapologetic