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Definitions

goad

[gohd] / goʊd /
NOUN
stimulus
Synonyms
STRONG
catalyst compulsion desire drive impetus impulse impulsion incentive incitation incitement irritation lash lust motivation passion pressure prod spur urge whip zeal
Antonyms
STRONG
block disgust dislike hate hatred hindrance indifference
WEAK
deterrent discouragement diversion restraint
VERB
egg on, incite
Synonyms
STRONGEST
coerce harass hound prod provoke tease
STRONG
animate annoy arouse bully drive encourage excite exhort force goose impel inspirit instigate irritate lash move needle press prick prompt propel push rowel sic sound spark spur stimulate sting thrust trigger urge whip worry
WEAK
fire up key up put up to turn on work up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
leave alone
STRONG
aid block bore calm check deaden depress discourage dissuade halt lull please praise prevent pull quiet repress soothe stop suppress surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The economy lacks other spurs to goad it into faster growth.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Tommy Lasorda had to goad Hershiser into becoming a bulldog.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2025

Their trash-talking, hard checking, and ability to goad rivals into losing their cool on the ice is actually a point of pride.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2025

They try to goad The Edge into dancing for the BBC's TV crew.

From BBC • May 22, 2025

The woman looked shocked, as if she hadn’t been purposely trying to goad the Witchlings.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Vocabulary lists containing goad

Lord of the Flies

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Grade 11, List 2

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!