Definitions

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.

Massie has been one of the loudest House voices prodding the Trump administration to release more information on the sex offender and his accomplices.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

Zarate, without prodding, went up to CIF executive director Ron Nocetti and thanked him for what will become an annual state soccer championship event.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

Then officers began calmly walking through the crowd, gently prodding people onto one side of the street to reopen it to traffic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 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

It’s the assistant who speaks, ultimately, tasked with the job via unspoken prodding from her boss.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse