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

Relevance

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
Half circus ringmaster, half Greek chorus, the actor introduced Lamar and then stuck around to goad and heckle him as the show unfolded. —Jason Lamphier, EW.com, 10 Feb. 2025 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 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
  • Trump says tariffs will force other countries to lower their own rates on U.S. goods and services, creating a more balanced economic playing field for U.S. exports and a strong incentive for companies to manufacture goods such as cars inside the U.S. to avoid paying the tax.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
  • As such, there is little incentive for non-citizens to try to vote, Levitt said.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Drivers are urged to slow down and use extra caution to avoid hydroplaning.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement Police said the investigation remains open and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the force.
    — Time, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of urge
Verb
  • Unlike past auto flops that just looked ridiculous or sold badly, Musk’s truck is also a focal point for global Tesla protests spurred by the billionaire’s job-slashing DOGE role and MAGA politics.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 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
  • Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.
    — Alison Bringé, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of impetus
Verb
  • To bring in more visitors, Katsuo-ji came up with a creative way to encourage tourists to engage with the Daruma dolls.
    — Rebecca Cairns, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The frantic trading, which sent stocks spiking before plummeting again, showed how investors are operating on a hair trigger and are eager for any sign of encouraging news.
    — Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of stab
Noun
  • With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Nichols, who's a mom herself, interjected with words of encouragement that both challenged and inspired parents and guardians in the room.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Verb
  • The off-market transaction, which closed last month, nudged past the previous record, a $59 million penthouse at the Getty, snagged by private-equity mogul Robert F. Smith in 2018.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
  • What to Consider The investment price of these earplugs will nudge you to take extra care with handling them.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of nudge

Browse Nearby Words

go
goad
goaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goad. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on goad

Nglish: Translation of goad for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All