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
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 prod
Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026
Residential parking permits in New York could cost anywhere from $100 per year to far more than that, experts say, with higher rates potentially prodding some residents to give up their cars.
—New York Times, 9 June 2026
K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
In response to my prod, the bot merely teeters.
—James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
Verb
Lots of contestants antagonize Alex for fun, but few dare to relentlessly prod both Alex and Greg in the span of the same show.
—Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026
Residential parking permits in New York could cost anywhere from $100 per year to far more than that, experts say, with higher rates potentially prodding some residents to give up their cars.
—New York Times, 9 June 2026
Noun
Variety understands that Ayres’ standalone prod-co Tony Ayres Productions will also close.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
In response to my prod, the bot merely teeters.
—James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prod
Verb
-
Cloudy and rainy conditions prevail throughout the morning, then in the afternoon the sun pokes through with calm winds.—
Kendrick Calfee
June 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
-
Cover the jar with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in the top.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The pair also urged the clinic to disclose any discrepancies in parentage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
-
A smoke advisory was issued for a broad swath of East Los Angeles, with members of the public urged to limit outdoor exercise and those with health issues to remain indoors.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
China also engineered a massive government stimulus package to stabilize its economy.—
Paul Wiseman,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
-
Central banks thought that forward guidance, particularly when interest rates were very low, could provide additional market stimulus.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Midfielder Declan Rice spoke glowingly of the halftime talk that helped spur England from a 2-2 tie at half-time to the 4-2 win, as the Three Lions roared out of the blocks in the second half.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
And Fanatics, in partnership with Mitchell & Ness, unveiled a Knicks parade-specific T-shirt that was expected to further spur sales.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Nick Engen and Taylor Calmus CBS To help encourage fathers navigating similar experiences, Taylor Calmus, creator of the popular online Dude Dad brand, visited the NICU ahead of Father's Day to surprise Engen and other dads with gift bags filled with supplies.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
You are encouraged to sit and lounge and read.—
Rachel Brodsky,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Regardless of age, a poor response to ovarian stimulation—for example, a low estrogen level or a low number of follicles developing—indicates that the treatment is not going well, Klipstein says.—
Heather Grossmann,
Parents,
16 June 2026
-
The mental stimulation, not unlike jigsawing a puzzle or inking a crossword.—
Ashley Parker,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The victim was stabbed in the torso at the fast casual diner located on Eighth Ave.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
-
The two were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on December 14.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The administration frames the free model as a deliberate effort to route economic activity and equity toward small businesses, backed by a Five Borough Winners Special promotion nudging fans into neighborhood bars and restaurants rather than FIFA’s perimeter.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
19 June 2026
-
Syntiant’s tech nudges the new takes back toward the tone and feeling of the 1983 master while keeping every note authentically Boy George.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prod. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
