1
as in poked
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
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2
as in urged
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prodded
The dynamic has prodded PG&E to ramp up efforts to upgrade and expand its electrical system in the South Bay and elsewhere.
—
George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Ryan Yates prodded the ball to Dilane Bakwa, who in turn crossed for Taiwo Awoniyi to guide home a header and put them in front.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
There might never have been The Osbournes had Stern not pushed and prodded the deliciously wacky rock star family to bring their story to the airwaves.
—Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
The Gilbert family prodded the authorities to continue searching for Shannan Gilbert, and on December 13, 2011, her remains were found in the Oak Beach marshlands.
—Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Learning cannot be condensed into an accelerated course, shoehorned into a semester calendar, rushed and prodded along.
—Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026
Some sob when prodded by a fork, others are straight up devoured.
—Joe Wilkins Published Mar 12, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026
The reason for excitement in this case is a group of young guys who are maturing and learning how to be consistent winners, prodded by a coach who won three Stanley Cup championships in Chicago and has demonstrated a knack for turning young teams into contenders.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Rajner has prodded lawmakers to act while also accusing DOH of illegally diverting money from ADAP without adequately notifying the public of the implications of the severe cutbacks.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Ryan Yates prodded the ball to Dilane Bakwa, who in turn crossed for Taiwo Awoniyi to guide home a header and put them in front.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 4 May 2026
There might never have been The Osbournes had Stern not pushed and prodded the deliciously wacky rock star family to bring their story to the airwaves.
—Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
The Gilbert family prodded the authorities to continue searching for Shannan Gilbert, and on December 13, 2011, her remains were found in the Oak Beach marshlands.
—Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Learning cannot be condensed into an accelerated course, shoehorned into a semester calendar, rushed and prodded along.
—Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 26 Mar. 2026
Some sob when prodded by a fork, others are straight up devoured.
—Joe Wilkins Published Mar 12, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026
The reason for excitement in this case is a group of young guys who are maturing and learning how to be consistent winners, prodded by a coach who won three Stanley Cup championships in Chicago and has demonstrated a knack for turning young teams into contenders.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Rajner has prodded lawmakers to act while also accusing DOH of illegally diverting money from ADAP without adequately notifying the public of the implications of the severe cutbacks.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodded
Verb
-
Even at the height of his fame, there were dubious aspects of his personal life — often self-seeded to sustain his enigma — that poked hellified holes in his impermeability as an entertainer.—
Rodney Carmichael,
NPR,
3 June 2026
-
In the roadside planters, green sprouts poked up.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Before releasing his initial budget in April, the mayor urged the council not to make significant cuts to homelessness, contending that could reverse notable progress the city has made on the issue.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
But Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield told The Courant on Wednesday that Lamont should have taken advice from the homeschooling parents who urged him to veto the bill.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Digwa stabbed him five times, causing significant internal bleeding from a chest wound, local police said in a statement.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
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The report, which was published on the DHS website, also noted that the officer who stabbed the detainee with a pen was disciplined.—
Laura Strickler,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
Verb
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But beyond that, he’s encouraged by the fact that the young creators who’ve already had enormous success online still value the cultural currency of theatrical movies.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
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The pastor encouraged his community to know that there is courage in choosing not to give up, but instead to search together for the place for them.—
HANNAH RUHOFF,
Sacbee.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Fishermen say increasing competition has spurred a sharp rise in armed conflict, especially between fisherfolk from the Turkana and Dassanech ethnic groups.—
Tommy Trenchard,
NPR,
31 May 2026
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The conflict has wreaked havoc on global energy markets and spurred inflation to its highest level since May of 2023 after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz when the war broke out.—
Garrett Downs,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Steve Guttenberg To many, Steve Guttenberg will always be known as Police Academy’s Carey Mahoney, a rebellious but likable small-time crook who gets nudged into joining the force.—
Skyler Trepel,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 May 2026
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Amazon left its full-year spending outlook at $200 billion and Alphabet nudged up its capex 2026 guidance to $180 billion and $190 billion.—
Matthew J. Belvedere,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Verb
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When challenged by Palo Alto’s Amaya Bharadway in the final 100 meters, Dailey dug down and pulled away.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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Suarez walked Fry to load the bases, but dug deep and struck out Manzardo and Stuart Fairchild, who lost an ABS challenge in the process.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
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In 2024, Ilacqua said, Perry punched one man and hit another with his cane before ordering his dog to attack both of them.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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The woman who was punched by a former Shelby police officer walked into a local church Tuesday morning with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to applause from full pews.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prodded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodded. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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