goad 1 of 2

noun

Definition of goadnext
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity the threat of skin cancer—not to mention the prospect of wrinkles—should be sufficient goad for using sunscreen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

goad

2 of 2

verb

ˈgōd How to pronounce goad (audio)
1
as in to urge
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action tried to goad me into auditioning for the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to spur
to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object goading the horse forward into the stall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun goad contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of goad are impulse, incentive, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

In what contexts can impulse take the place of goad?

The synonyms impulse and goad are sometimes interchangeable, but impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When can incentive be used instead of goad?

While the synonyms incentive and goad are close in meaning, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is it sensible to use inducement instead of goad?

While in some cases nearly identical to goad, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

Where would motive be a reasonable alternative to goad?

The words motive and goad can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When might spur be a better fit than goad?

The meanings of spur and goad largely overlap; however, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of goad
Noun
As a goad to European diplomacy, talk of arming Ukraine turned out not to be a bad idea. —Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2015 Over the decades, the diary would serve as both a goad to and a document of the kind of endless, restless self-searching that was the template of many people’s lives in her generation. —Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024
Verb
And yet, there's one guest judge who lives in infamy in Visage's memory: Joel McHale, who playfully goaded Visage by shouting at the season 11 queens from his chair behind the judging table. —EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Later, Amir Coffey got the assignment to cover Doncic and the Lakers star made another three, goading the Clippers to get someone who could actually defend him. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goad
  1. incentive
  2. urge
  3. spur
  4. impetus
  5. encourage
  6. stab
  7. encouragement
  8. nudge
Noun
  • Additionally, there was the buyout and retirement incentives of another 3,000 employees.
    — Mike Dombeck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Therefore, there should be incentive for everyone to work collectively to get rid of STDs and give any efforts to do so more than a slow clap, so to speak.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Lacy’s father, Kenny Lacy, addressed his son’s death in an emotional Facebook post, urging other parents to stay tuned in to their children’s mental health.
    — Essence News Editors, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Instead of immediately attempting to call off his rabid supporters, Trump sat on his hands as his supporters stormed the Capitol—even as members of his own party urged him to help.
    — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of urge
Verb
  • The episodes turned both women into advocates for patients and spurred research that made American health care safer.
    — Arthur Allen, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Investors are expecting that a slowdown in economic growth could spur the Fed to lower rates in a bid to avoid a recession.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of spur
Noun
  • Ensuring children who began attending private school last fall with ESA assistance wouldn’t be forced back into their old school wasn’t the only impetus for the creation of the ESA Rescue Fund.
    — Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • If those concerns are broadly shared by policymakers that could create impetus for a May rate cut.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of impetus
Verb
  • The Last of Us star got their first role in season 6 of Game of Thrones at 11 years old, and has their parents to thank for encouraging their career.
    — Makena Gera, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Those who pick up the materials are encouraged to take a photo with their 988 sign, share it on their social media platforms and tag the Kane County Health Department to let their friends and family know that support is always available, according to the release.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, said he was stabbed in the heart and died in his twin brother’s arms.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Police said evidence found at the scene indicated the man was stabbed near a bus stop in the 100 block of 11th Street.
    — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • Those responses were the encouragement Mez needed.
    — Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Putin, of course, needs no encouragement in this department.
    — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Verb
  • This season, filmed mostly on the Thai island of Ko Samui, used the new setting to nudge its characters toward pursuits beyond the flesh.
    — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Still, word of departure spreads fast, potentially nudging more Canadians to follow suit, DuPont says.
    — Sami Sparber, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of nudge

Browse Nearby Words

go
goad
goaded
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Cite this Entry

“Goad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goad. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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