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
show current usage.
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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
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Milo tries to be a hero, trying to use pepper spray on Morgan, but Morgan stabs and kills him.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
21 Jan. 2026
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Percy, now carrying the Golden Fleece, runs toward the elevator, but Luke stabs him through the closing doors.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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TxDOT is warning that conditions are still dangerous and urges people to stay home on Tuesday if possible.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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All TEXpress lanes have been closed due to the inclement weather and the Texas Department of Transportation urges residents to stay off the roads as much as possible over the weekend.—
Star-Telegram staff,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Jan. 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
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The Moon also pokes lucky Jupiter in your very own sign, which pushes you to show up boldly without overextending yourself.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
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Is every head that pokes in to look at me actually Frank himself?—
Shane Kowalski,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about great poetry—both classic and contemporary—through memorization, performance, and competition.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
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Mitchell encourages people to have enough of their meds for at least 36 hours to get through next Tuesday and Wednesday, and to anticipate the pharmacies will be closed at least on Sunday.—
Lauren Linder,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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By this decade, your body has started to naturally lose muscle mass, and putting on new muscle may be more difficult due to anabolic resistance, which blunts the muscle’s ability to respond to external stimuli like exercise and protein.—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
1 Jan. 2026
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Word games, information sleuthing, instructional videos, and even just chatting with friends can provide positive stimuli.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Friends and colleagues who once argued that war never spurs meaningful change now advocate for it.—
Omid Memarian,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2026
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Harvesting the flowers spurs the plant to produce more flower buds, so pick them frequently.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Queen Charlotte spends Season 3 sparring with and hunting down Lady Whistledown, while Lady Danbury nudges her to pay attention to the peerage, and in particular, Francesca.—
Kari Sonde,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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Pisces February 19 – March 20 This morning nudges you into gentle motion.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prods. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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