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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prod
Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
The second suit, brought by the City of Baltimore, charges sportsbooks DraftKings and FanDuel with unscrupulous promotional tactics prodding users toward irresponsible gambling.
—David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Zachary Basu, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
The nonprofit assembles experts in their respective fields to research topics that prod gender equality across the United States.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prod
Verb
This activism prodded state and federal authorities to enact a flurry of public health legislation.
— Made By History, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
The second suit, brought by the City of Baltimore, charges sportsbooks DraftKings and FanDuel with unscrupulous promotional tactics prodding users toward irresponsible gambling.
—David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Zoom in: Above all else, Trump's first month has been dominated by his war on the federal bureaucracy — and his various efforts to prod, probe and blow through the limits of presidential power.
—Zachary Basu, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
The nonprofit assembles experts in their respective fields to research topics that prod gender equality across the United States.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prod
Verb
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During that same April 5 episode, Weekend Update’s Colin Jost poked fun at the singer in a bit about the economy.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
12 May 2025
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The contest did not last long as Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye 18 seconds into the second round.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Proposing and supporting systemic changes in our health care system, including urging the Green Mountain Care Board to implement hospital/payer-specific revenue caps − an important step toward affordability.—
Dan D'Ambrosio,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio called senior officials in both countries before the attacks, urging them to ease tensions.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Chinese factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April, adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to roll out fresh economic stimulus.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
12 May 2025
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The brain’s ability to process information can slow after cannabis use, so the abundance of outdoor stimuli may intensify the psychoactive effects, making the experience feel richer and more immersive.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
9 May 2025
Verb
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The case out of Dedham, Massachusetts has turned into a years-long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies, and television shows.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Major League Baseball’s ultimatum spurred DiBella and his team on.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
Verb
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Goolsbee’s remarks suggest he’s encouraged by the trade truce with China, a separate 90-day pause on double-digit tariffs on other nations, and soft inflation readings for both March and April.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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While strength training is their primary focus, Trainor enjoys encouraging Sabara to push himself physically.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Life outside the courtroom, however, is a bit more complicated, with Nash-Betts weeping in a hospital gown and Kardashian stabbing herself with a needle in a bathroom stall.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
13 May 2025
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Rapper Tory Lanez, who is serving jail time, was hospitalized after another inmate stabbed him.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Trump’s deals are designed to nudge the region towards greater alignment with the US, experts say.—
Will Knight,
Wired News,
15 May 2025
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Economists were split over whether the tariffs nudged inflation higher last month.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
Noun
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An example of the latter includes receiving restricted stock units (RSUs) or exercising incentive stock options (ISOs).—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Deadline first told you this was in the works earlier this month and part of SP Media’s plans to boost local Hollywood shoots following their U.S. film and TV production incentive proposal to the President Donald Trump White House.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prod. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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