goad 1 of 2

goad

2 of 2

verb

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
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 Elisabeth Sparkle, played by Demi Moore, is the aging star fighting her obsolescence, goaded on by Dennis Quaid, an executive inspired by Harvey Weinstein. E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for goad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goad
Noun
  • Europe and China both have incentives to step up, for different reasons and with different priorities.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The contract, Schefter said, could be worth up to $7 million with incentives.
    Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Don’t Stay In Environments That Don’t Support Gender Parity Dr. Thomas urges women to assess whether staying in toxic environments is worth the emotional toll.
    Gena Cox, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • If there is an emergency, the FBI urges people to call local law enforcement or 911 immediately.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Georgios and his peers were spurred to action in December after a Christmas tree was lit on fire in Al-Sqailbiyyah, just outside Hama.
    Chris Massaro, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Rilling's interest in finance was spurred by her father.
    Michelle Fox, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Despite this impetus for change, progress remains slow given the potential rewards.
    Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After Thursday’s performance, where Postecoglou’s best-available line-up seemed to find the magic of Ange-ball once again, a flat first half and eventual defeat delivered by a side propped up by fringe players killed that impetus again.
    Elias Burke, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • On April 5, disenfranchised Americans are being encouraged to protest the Trump administration's policies as part of a national movement in myriad cities, hosted by a group of older Americans called Third Act.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While some children have been exposed to its harmful gel through everyday play, a TikTok trend has made matters worse, encouraging kids to microwave the toy, sometimes with devastating consequences.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The rookie hero, opening beer bottles with his eye socket, pulling out his own tooth with pliers, and being stabbed by a fan in Mexico wielding a pen, made news everywhere.
    Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Five years later he was arrested by police after his boss, his boss’ wife and their two children were found stabbed to death in their home.
    Chris Lau and Yumi Asada, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After encouragement from several key players in conversations over the winter, Baldelli implemented the idea this spring.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With encouragement from her daughter, Hannah (played by Abby Ryder Fortson), Maggie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately learning to love herself and to treat those around her with greater kindness.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Kansas erased an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.
    Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • That followed a report Wednesday indicating that the consumer price rate had nudged lower as well, providing some welcome news amid concerns that the Trump tariffs would aggravate inflation.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Goad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goad. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on goad

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!