Synonyms of prod

prod 1 of 2

verb

ˈpräd 

1

as in to poke

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

kept prodding the sheep with a staff to move along faster

Synonyms & Similar Words

• poke
• spur
• stab
• dig
• goad
• punch
• nudge
• knock
• jab
• propel
• pierce
• stick
• bore
• drill
• perforate
• chuck
• jog
• puncture
• prick
• drive
• hale

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

• urge
• encourage
• nudge
• spur
• goad
• prompt
• egg (on)
• push
• exhort
• coax
• stimulate
• propel
• press
• provoke
• cajole
• beseech
• wheedle
• drive
• needle
• importune
• implore
• pressure
• hurry
• rush
• incite
• hustle
• adjure
• foment
• nag
• instigate
• soft-soap
• high-pressure
• stir (up)
• blandish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• deter
• brake
• check
• restrain
• inhibit
• dissuade
• curb
• constrain
• hold back

prod

2 of 2

noun

as in stimulus

Related Words

• stimulus
• stimulation
• incentive
• spur
• encouragement
• goad
• inducement
• stimulant
• jog
• instigation
• provocation
• excitement
• galvanization
• motivation
• incitement
• incitation
• lure
• induction
• irritant
• inspiration
• enticement
• nuisance
• exasperation
• headache
• bother
• frustration
• pest
• aggravation
• annoyance
• peeve
• hassle

Dissimilar Words

• subduing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prod

Verb

Rather than be daunted by scale or fear of the unknown, determination—destiny, even—prod the poet-philosopher up this craggy citadel to glory. — A.d. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026

On that occasion, Argentina sought to prod, poke and provoke; Enzo Fernandez left one on the head of Elliot Anderson early on, Leandro Paredes caught the ankle of Jude Bellingham. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Noun

The cutbacks are going far beyond a friendly prod to boost NATO defense spending. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

This one came on an innocent prod at the basketball, a tap that occurred a solid 85 feet away from the hoop on which his assignment, Jalen Brunson, hoped to score. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026