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.

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

The day will need him at his gobsmacking best; poking and prodding, controlling and surprising, putting men into gaps and sticking points on the board.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 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

Joe Rogan mocked Donald Trump during an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” prodding the president for switching up his story around the Epstein files.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2025

He paces around the house, peering and prodding at it, muttering to himself and making small whistling noises.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood