Synonyms of goads

goads 1 of 2

noun

plural of goad

as in incentives

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 & Similar Words

• incentives
• encouragements
• impetuses
• motivations
• spurs
• stimuli
• impulses
• provocations
• stimulants
• catalysts
• fuels
• boosts
• momentums
• incitements
• instigations
• reasons
• yeasts
• momenta
• shots in the arm
• inducements
• causes
• incitations
• motives
• invitations
• considerations
• sparks
• grounds
• antecedents
• occasions
• catalyzers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentives
• counterincentives
• counter-incentives

goads

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of goad

1

as in urges

to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action

tried to goad me into auditioning for the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

• urges
• encourages
• nudges
• prompts
• exhorts
• prods
• spurs
• coaxes
• pushes
• eggs (on)
• propels
• stimulates
• presses
• provokes
• implores
• cajoles
• drives
• beseeches
• hurries
• rushes
• importunes
• adjures
• wheedles
• pressures
• incites
• hustles
• nags
• foments
• instigates
• stirs (up)
• high-pressures
• needles
• blandishes
• soft-soaps

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• deters
• brakes
• dissuades
• inhibits
• restrains
• curbs
• constrains
• checks
• holds back

2

as in stabs

to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object

goading the horse forward into the stall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stabs
• spurs
• pokes
• prods
• digs
• punches
• nudges
• knocks
• jabs
• propels
• pricks
• sticks
• jogs
• drives
• pierces
• bores
• perforates
• drills
• punctures
• chucks
• hales