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
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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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for prods
Verb
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The suspect pounces on Ennin while the victim is down and stabs him multiple times before running off.—
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After Fiona confesses to killing Willem, a raging Constance stabs Dahlia.—
Verb
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The Delaware County District Attorney's Office urges anyone with additional information to contact Detective Leah Cesanek at 610-623-1500 or Detective Chris Karr at 610-891-4700.—
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The contest urges fans to submit new flavor ideas for a chance to win $1 million.—
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.—
Verb
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Is every head that pokes in to look at me actually Frank himself?—
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The Aries moon pokes holes in old insecurities about competence and productivity.—
Verb
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Pruning perennials at the right time encourages plants to leaf out, grow bushier, develop sturdier stems, and potentially produce more flowers.—
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Loudermilk says this is just one of the many ways Lions Clubs work to support their communities and encourages anyone interested in joining to reach out.—
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.—
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Word games, information sleuthing, instructional videos, and even just chatting with friends can provide positive stimuli.—
Verb
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Water Well After Pruning Pruning spurs plants to produce new growth, and water is essential for healthy growth.—
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Those spurs make flowers and fruits.—
Verb
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The Murder of Laci Peterson nudges viewers to reevaluate the veracity of media narratives and draw their own conclusions.—
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Midweek, the Virgo Moon (Jan 6th–8th) nudges you inward, activating your rest and reflection zone.—
Cite this Entry
“Prods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prods. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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