Synonyms of prods

prods 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of prod

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

• stabs
• pokes
• spurs
• digs
• nudges
• goads
• punches
• knocks
• jabs
• propels
• pierces
• sticks
• jogs
• bores
• pricks
• perforates
• drills
• drives
• punctures
• chucks
• hales

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

• urges
• encourages
• nudges
• prompts
• exhorts
• goads
• coaxes
• pushes
• spurs
• eggs (on)
• propels
• presses
• stimulates
• provokes
• cajoles
• implores
• drives
• hurries
• beseeches
• pressures
• rushes
• wheedles
• hustles
• importunes
• adjures
• incites
• nags
• instigates
• foments
• high-pressures
• needles
• stirs (up)
• soft-soaps
• blandishes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourages
• deters
• brakes
• inhibits
• dissuades
• curbs
• restrains
• constrains
• checks
• holds back

prods

2 of 2

noun

plural of prod

as in goads

Related Words

• goads
• stimuli
• inducements
• incentives
• spurs
• stimulations
• encouragements
• stimulants
• jogs
• excitements
• provocations
• galvanizations
• instigations
• incitements
• motivations
• lures
• enticements
• incitations
• inspirations
• irritants
• inductions
• frustrations
• exasperations
• headaches
• bothers
• nuisances
• pests
• peeves
• aggravations
• hassles
• annoyances

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prods

Verb

These disparate elements don’t wholly cohere, but the film still prods at ideas about maternal inheritance, feminine power, and community. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

But unless carefully designed, these groups are more often excuses for inaction than prods for durable solutions. — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

This kind of mutual caretaking, physical as well as emotional, prods larger conversations about the state of the world — particularly, Marie-Lou’s nursing home facing a perpetual funding crisis. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026

Every few years, the tech industry introduces a new kind of product, then prods schools to teach millions of students how to use it. — New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Kate says when Laurie prods her to speak her mind. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026

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