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Antonyms for provocative


Grammar : Adj
Spell : pruh-vok-uh-tiv
Phonetic Transcription : prəˈvɒk ə tɪv



Definition of provocative

Origin :
  • mid-15c., "eliciting," from Middle French provocatif (15c.) and directly from Late Latin provocativus "calling forth," from provocat-, past participle stem of Latin provocare (see provoke). Specifically of sexual desire from 1620s. Related: Provocatively; provocativeness. The earliest appearance of the word in English is as a noun meaning "an aphrodisiac" (early 15c.).
  • adj aggravating
  • adj sexually stimulating
Example sentences :
  • Monsieur, if you wish to be heard, let me beg of you not to be provocative in your language.
  • Extract from : « Scaramouche » by Rafael Sabatini
  • If the few words I have used so far have been provocative, I regret it.
  • Extract from : « Scaramouche » by Rafael Sabatini
  • To see these flying-fish this way was provocative of thought.
  • Extract from : « Tales of Fishes » by Zane Grey
  • The conduct of McNeice and Malcolmson was offensive and provocative.
  • Extract from : « The Red Hand of Ulster » by George A. Birmingham
  • Theirs indeed was not provocative of discussion; if satisfactory, it was also obvious.
  • Extract from : « Tristram of Blent » by Anthony Hope
  • Paris was as stimulating and provocative as a paid mistress, but palled as quickly.
  • Extract from : « The Hand in the Dark » by Arthur J. Rees
  • Even then he did not grasp the full import of her provocative question.
  • Extract from : « Blow The Man Down » by Holman Day
  • On her lips was a smile, impudent, provocative, extremely attractive.
  • Extract from : « Lady Bountiful » by George A. Birmingham
  • As I did not attempt, we remained in silence for a moment while he waited, provocative.
  • Extract from : « Desert Dust » by Edwin L. Sabin
  • Mr. Pickwick, in his speech, was certainly self-laudatory and provocative.
  • Extract from : « Pickwickian Studies » by Percy Fitzgerald

Synonyms for provocative

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019