1
2
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
a public outcry eventually prodded the politicians into action
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stimulus
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of prod
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
My newsletter also pokes and prods, critiques and uplifts, and seeks to spark debate and a better understanding about the practice of local journalism.
—Corey Hutchins, The Conversation, 23 July 2025
Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The film takes place over three years in Valbona, a suburban district of Barcelona, as Guerín prods at issues of displacement, identity, urban life, and ecological conflicts in this small neighborhood that serves as a microcosm of the world.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
Verb
California’s effort to prod insurers to sell more policies and get homeowners in fire risk areas off the state’s pricey last-resort plan is progressing, but slowly, and higher premiums are likely in store after January’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025
My newsletter also pokes and prods, critiques and uplifts, and seeks to spark debate and a better understanding about the practice of local journalism.
—Corey Hutchins, The Conversation, 23 July 2025
Noun
Can Stevenson recognize, as his coaches so often prod him to, that his grandest football goals must be matched with day-by-day discipline?
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The film takes place over three years in Valbona, a suburban district of Barcelona, as Guerín prods at issues of displacement, identity, urban life, and ecological conflicts in this small neighborhood that serves as a microcosm of the world.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prod
Verb
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My neighbors started poking their heads in the front door, too.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
14 Oct. 2025
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This bra has wide straps, side-smoothing panels, and an allover stretchy fit — sans wires poking you in the ribcage.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Roughly 500 celebrities and Hollywood artists signed the Artists4Ceasefire petition in 2023; dozens of industry A-listers signed an Artists4Ceasefire letter addressed to then-President Biden, urging the White House for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire.—
Elizabeth Wagmeister,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
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What Happens Next The FDA has urged consumers to follow recall instructions and dispose of affected shrimp promptly.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chinese shares had recently rallied to a multi-year high on expectations of government stimulus and a recent inflow of foreign capital into Chinese equities.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
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Soon after her election, the yen hit a new low amid expectations of major fiscal stimulus.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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City officials say $200 fines could soon be levied against those properties in an effort to spur them to make deals.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
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As catastrophic wildfires spur insurance companies to raise homeowner premiums and drop thousands of policyholders across California, the industry has blamed climate change for fueling the blazes.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even then, Sitake and his former teammates were encouraged to speak freely in meetings, to suggest alternative schemes and to acknowledge ways to be different.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The shipping industry would have paid the tax into a fund created by the IMO, to encourage emissions reductions and raise funds for climate action.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Now, people are looking for intellectual stimulation and emotional support and adventure.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
17 Oct. 2025
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Researchers believe the device could be adapted for electrical stimulation and other therapies, potentially benefiting patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological disorders.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Michael Anthony Arredondo, 34, is charged in suspicion of first-degree murder in the June 2017 stabbing death of 25-year-old Evin Paulos.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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Ellis then turned back to Julian and stabbed him in the back.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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My grandma gave my brother and I each a budget to work within, often nudging us to pool our resources and work together to find the perfect gift for each parent.—
Katherine Polcari,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
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High financing costs, a wobbly economy, flat rents and overbuilding in certain markets nudged many other developers to cancel or delay rental projects.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prod. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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