prodding

[prod-ing] / ˈprɒd ɪŋ /

VERB

poke at

Synonyms

STRONGEST

nudge press

STRONG

crowd dig drive elbow goose jab jog prick punch push shove

Antonyms

STRONG

discourage dissuade pull repress

VERB

urge, incite

Synonyms

STRONGEST

goad motivate prompt propel provoke remind spur stimulate

STRONG

crowd excite exhort goose impel instigate move pique prick push rouse sic sound spark trigger

WEAK

egg on jog memory stir up turn on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depress discourage dissuade halt prevent stop

STRONG

calm quiet repress suppress

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.

Its activist investing honcho, James Chadwick, once told a podcast his fund often gets involved at the prodding of a former insider or other person knowledgeable about a particular target company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

During that same hearing, at the prodding of one senator, Zuckerberg apologised to victims and their loved ones who had crowded into the chamber.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

The Australian skipper removed him for a 13th time in Tests, more than any other bowler, with a furious Root berating himself after prodding at a full delivery and feathering to Carey.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

The next day, after more prodding by Amelia’s father, police received permission to search some parts of the house but found no sign of her.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

I lay like that for a few moments, and might easily have fallen asleep if Tommy hadn’t kept prodding my knees with a toe.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro