provocative

5 definitions • 6 examples

causing thought about interesting subjects:

The programme will take a detailed and provocative look at the problem of homelessness.

causing an angry reaction, usually intentionally:

a provocative question/remark

In a deliberately provocative speech, she criticized the whole system of government.

If behaviour or clothing is provocative, it is intended to cause sexual desire:

She slowly leaned forward in a provocative way.

intended to cause a reaction, esp. anger or annoyance, or to force you to think more carefully about something:

a provocative speech

provocative advertisements

If behavior or clothing is provocative, it is likely to cause sexual desire.