1
as in stabs
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 urges
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
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Recent Examples of prods
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
The two do some earnest bonding over being child actors and their mutual love of John Cassavettes and A Woman Under the Influence, but some of the most delightful bits between them occur when Lawrence prods him into laughter.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
An experience like this prods a lot of reflection.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
The film takes place over three years in Valbona, a suburban district of Barcelona, as Guerín prods at issues of displacement, identity, urban life, and ecological conflicts in this small neighborhood that serves as a microcosm of the world.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
Kate says when Laurie prods her to speak her mind.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
The two do some earnest bonding over being child actors and their mutual love of John Cassavettes and A Woman Under the Influence, but some of the most delightful bits between them occur when Lawrence prods him into laughter.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
An experience like this prods a lot of reflection.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025
The film takes place over three years in Valbona, a suburban district of Barcelona, as Guerín prods at issues of displacement, identity, urban life, and ecological conflicts in this small neighborhood that serves as a microcosm of the world.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prods
Verb
-
The shower curtain opens, revealing an old woman, who stabs and decapitates Mary.—
Therie Hendrey-Seabrook,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 Mar. 2026
-
But this person who was a friend, who owes her career to me, just stabs me in the back.—
Maer Roshan,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another recommendation urges the city to create a regional digital equity coalition that includes public agencies, community organizations and private partners.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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His mom repeatedly urges him to turn around as Gritty quietly sneaks up behind him.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To Robin Wright’s multimillionaire gallery owner Laura, her son’s new girlfriend is a sleazy opportunist, a gold digger who lies about her academic and professional credentials and goads Laura by going down on Daniel (Laurie Davidson) in Laura’s house with the door open.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kym is the family fuckup and a guilty party to its biggest tragedy but also constantly pokes the bear as its selfish verbal assassin.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
-
Instead, the robot simply pokes through it.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Armbruster encourages drivers to compare prices between stations instead of automatically stopping at the same place every time to fill up.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 May 2026
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The equal time law encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Migraine Triggers Increase Brain Sensitivity Research indicates that people prone to migraines have a nervous system that reacts more strongly to triggers such as stress, hormones, or sensory stimuli.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2026
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The decision model positions the black box in a broader scenario that shows the interaction of external and internal stimuli as well as consumer responses.—
Félix Ortega MohedanoAll,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Handling Speciale, at least on paper, only spurs that sentiment on.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
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Any diamond spurs questions about its carat size, which experts believe can be anywhere between five and 10 carats.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As Benson continues asking questions about the victim, Jasmyn nudges a sign that shows her prices for autographs and pictures and says that her time is valuable.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
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Team priorities could collide as the concerned Moon in your 11th House of Aspirations nudges reckless Mars in your 5th House of Risks.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prods. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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