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goad

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun goad contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of goad are impulse, incentive, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

In what contexts can impulse take the place of goad?

The synonyms impulse and goad are sometimes interchangeable, but impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When can incentive be used instead of goad?

While the synonyms incentive and goad are close in meaning, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is it sensible to use inducement instead of goad?

While in some cases nearly identical to goad, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

Where would motive be a reasonable alternative to goad?

The words motive and goad can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When might spur be a better fit than goad?

The meanings of spur and goad largely overlap; however, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of goad
Noun
As a goad to European diplomacy, talk of arming Ukraine turned out not to be a bad idea. Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2015 Over the decades, the diary would serve as both a goad to and a document of the kind of endless, restless self-searching that was the template of many people’s lives in her generation. Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
Verb
After Etsuko shares that the stress of the move has been instigating some nightmares, Niki goads her mother into telling her some stories of life in Nagasaki. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 As the President continues to goad a global meltdown unseen in decades, Speaker Johnson is trying to keep the MAGA meltdown away from his fellow House Republicans. Philip Elliott, Time, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goad
Noun
  • While geothermal energy loses out in the current package, some Republicans, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have called for the power source’s tax incentives to remain.
    Justin Worland, Time, 13 June 2025
  • This structure leaves little incentive for buyers locked into contracts to make any moves until the contract ends.
    Greg Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Residents are urged to stay alert, remain aware of their surroundings.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025
  • With Israel saying its operation could last weeks, and Netanyahu urging Iran's people to rise up against their Islamic clerical rulers, fears have grown of a regional conflagration dragging in outside powers.
    Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • While the protests have long been arranged, they’ve been largely spurred on by Trump’s actions regarding the L.A. protests, which have since spread to other cities across the U.S.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 14 June 2025
  • Tracy’s motivation to organize the Miami Beach rally was spurred by the administration’s cutbacks to governmental agencies that monitor health and the environment.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • However, America will be far better off when the impetus to adopt healthier habits falls on individuals and families, rather than Uncle Sam.
    Christina Smith, Baltimore Sun, 9 June 2025
  • While Otis continued pitching for the next couple of years, helping lead Columbine to the Class 5A title as a junior, the impetus for her switch to full-time outfielder came a few weeks before the start of her senior season.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump reportedly encouraged Vance to strike a diplomatic tone publicly.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Just two days later, Mercury enters Cancer, adding a layer of receptivity and emotional depth to conversations and exchanges, encouraging more empathy and understanding in your relationships.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has tried for months to find a Boise man — accused of stabbing his roommate to death — competent enough to stand trial for his first-degree murder charge.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
  • He was identified as Maximillion Luz Flores Hernández of the same block where he was fatally stabbed, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
    Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • While this is good news, student loan borrowers should remember this drop shouldn't be taken as encouragement to acquire more student debt at lower rates.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Kelly had posted several photos on social media while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as insurrectionists injured police officers and destroyed Capitol property with prior encouragement from President Donald Trump at a rally.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • All molecules need is a slight nudge to send them spinning out of the atmosphere, and the energy to give them that nudge comes from the sun.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 2025
  • The suburban SoCal Wilsons — brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl — were encouraged to write and sing by their father, Murry, who put his own musical ambitions on hold when the children arrived but nudged them imposingly into the industry instead.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Goad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goad. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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