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Showing results for goad. Search instead for goadl.
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.

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

Paul tried to goad Tyson by asking him about comments made in a documentary where the former champion described himself as "natural born killer".

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2024

As they goad each other, they act pettily and childishly but is also great fun to watch the superb actors go toe-to-toe.

From Salon • Nov. 10, 2024

Why is he trying to goad me into giving up?

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.