PRODDED Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

prodded

verb

Definition of prodded next

past tense of prod

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

Relevance

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

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 prodded 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 They were pinched, prodded, cut, shocked, pierced with needles, struck with canes, and burned with acid. —

Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 Naomi Girma prodded home after a scramble from a corner to send Chelsea through to the quarter-finals. —

Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 Thankfully, city officials—prodded by tenants and small-business owners, clergy and homeowners, and, yes, some landlords—rejected advice to consign neighborhoods such as East Flatbush to history’s dustbin. —

Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026 Other officials, too, prodded the IDNR after they were caught unaware about the possibility that the marina would not open for the 2026 season. —

Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 And no matter where anyone turned, everyone poked, prodded and dissected the sounds, lyrics and yes, muses – a prospect faced by no other artist in 2025. —

Denise Warner, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodded

Verb

Since then, the president has repeatedly poked at the vulnerability.

— Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Many spectators poked fun at the efforts of Chicago police to confiscate and collect BORGs in viral posts over the weekend.

— Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026