provocative Meaning & Definition
What Does Provocative Mean?
As an adjective, provocative means Serving or tending to elicit a strong, often negative sentiment in another person; exasperating. It can also mean Serving or tending to excite, stimulate or arouse sexual interest; sexy. As a noun, it means Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac. As a noun, it means (obsolescent) Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac.
Word Facts for Provocative
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /pɹəˈvɒk.ə.tɪv/ |
| Syllables | 4 |
| Synonyms | sexy, challenging and intriguing |
| Antonyms | unprovoking and unprovocative |
| Plural | provocatives |
| Comparative / superlative | more provocative, most provocative |
Provocative Definition (Adjective)
- Serving or tending to elicit a strong, often negative sentiment in another person; exasperating.
- Serving or tending to excite, stimulate or arouse sexual interest; sexy.
- Provoking or triggering any response.
Provocative as a Noun
- Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac.
Noun
- (obsolescent) Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac.
Synonyms of Provocative
Antonyms of Provocative
Word Forms & Grammar
provocative (comparative more provocative, superlative most provocative)
provocative (plural provocatives)
Words That Rhyme With Provocative
Origin of Provocative
Borrowed from Middle French provocatif, and its source, Late Latin provocativus, from Latin provocare.
How Do You Say Provocative?
Provocative is pronounced /pɹəˈvɒk.ə.tɪv/ and has 4 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (vɒk).
Provocative: Your Questions Answered
Is provocative an adjective or a noun?
Provocative is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for provocative?
You can replace provocative with words such as sexy, challenging and intriguing. See the full list of provocative synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of provocative?
Antonyms of provocative include unprovoking and unprovocative.
What is the plural of provocative?
The plural of provocative is provocatives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of provocative?
The comparative form is more provocative and the superlative form is most provocative.