PROD Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

prod 1 of 2

verb

ˈpräd

Definition of prod

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

Relevance

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

prod

2 of 2

noun

as in stimulus

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

subduing

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

Verb

But economic and political pressures, both domestic and international, have been prodding policymakers to rethink the path and the pace of getting there. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026 Trump publicly prodded the Health secretary for an update on autism research in a Cabinet meeting last month. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

Michelle Montez, a flight attendant for 20 years, said barely a flight goes by where someone doesn’t poke, tap, prod or otherwise touch her. — Hannah Sampson, Washington Post, 28 May 2026 The cutbacks are going far beyond a friendly prod to boost NATO defense spending. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prod

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prod

Verb

The dog’s ribs poked out, her skin was irritated and red, and patches of fur were missing — a possible sign of mange.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Natural light pokes through the windows, adding a trademark freshness to an indoor coliseum.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of poke

Verb

Consumers are urged to immediately take the magnetic humanoid toys away from children, stop using them, and contact Colerinsec for a full refund.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Anyone in possession of information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027 or the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150.

— Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of urge

Noun

Analysts, however, expect that Beijing is unlikely to ramp up stimulus meaningfully as long as export growth remains strong enough to power the economy to land within the target range.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
China reported downbeat consumption and investment figures, bolstering economists’ calls for fiscal stimulus to drive growth in the world’s second-biggest economy.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Verb

Instead, Covert argued the legislation was likely to spur more businesses to choose Texas or other states, spurring building in places with less climate and environmental protections.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Asbestos has tiny needle-like fibers that burrow deep into tissue, creating chronic inflammation that spurs the development of cancers of the lungs, voice box and ovaries.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of spur

Verb

Some commentators have said the move will encourage people to return to transacting in cash.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Creating opportunities for employees to experiment with AI and contribute ideas can also encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

— Nishkam Batta, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of encourage

Noun

People can direct them by sending electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted near their antennae.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Other treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and for a small number of cases a surgical therapy called deep brain stimulation.

— Michael Okun, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulation

Verb

In August 2025, police said, Brown rode the light rail in Charlotte and stabbed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska to death.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026
As an argument started, police said, the other man took out a sharp object and stabbed the 51-year-old in the neck.

— Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of stab

Verb

According to a growing mountain of research, people who like their beverages scalding hot may be nudging up their risk of an early grave.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
Judge seemed thrilled to see Volpe play well, nudging him toward the dugout steps for a curtain call after his grand slam.

— Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of nudge

Browse Nearby Words

procuring

prod

prodded

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Style

“Prod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prod. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prod

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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