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goad

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of goad

something that arouses action or activity
  • the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen
Synonyms of goad

boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
Words Related to goad

inducement, invitation

antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason

catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark
Phrases Synonymous with goad

shot in the arm
Antonyms of goad

counterincentive, disincentive

Synonym Discussion of goad

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.
    • a motive for the crime
impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.
    • buying on impulse
incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.
    • a bonus was offered as an incentive
inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.
    • offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe
spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
    • fear was a spur to action
goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.
    • thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

goad

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of goad

1 to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
  • tried to goad me into auditioning for the play
Synonyms of goad

egg (on), encourage, exhort, nudge, press, prod, prompt, urge
Words Related to goad

drive, propel, spur, stimulate

hurry, hustle, push, rush

adjure, beseech, implore, importune

blandish, cajole, coax, soft-soap, wheedle

high-pressure, nag, needle, pressure

foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir (up)
Near Antonyms of goad

deter, discourage, dissuade

brake, check, constrain, curb, hold back, inhibit, restrain
2 to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object
  • goading the horse forward into the stall
Synonyms of goad

dig, prod, spur
Words Related to goad

chuck, jab, jog, knock, nudge, poke

bore, drill, perforate, pierce, prick, punch, puncture, stab, stick

drive, hale, propel

Learn More about goad

  1. See words that rhyme with goad Dictionary: Definition of goad Spanish Central: Translation of goad Nglish: Translation of goad for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of goad for Arabic speakers

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