Synonyms of goad

goad 1 of 2

noun

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

• incentive
• impetus
• encouragement
• stimulus
• motivation
• spur
• instigation
• provocation
• boost
• momentum
• catalyst
• impulse
• stimulant
• reason
• shot in the arm
• fuel
• incitement
• yeast
• incitation
• cause
• inducement
• invitation
• consideration
• motive
• spark
• occasion
• grounds
• antecedent
• catalyzer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentive
• counterincentive

goad

2 of 2

verb

ˈgōd 

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

• urge
• encourage
• nudge
• spur
• prompt
• exhort
• push
• prod
• coax
• egg (on)
• propel
• stimulate
• provoke
• press
• cajole
• drive
• implore
• beseech
• importune
• hurry
• incite
• rush
• wheedle
• adjure
• pressure
• foment
• hustle
• instigate
• needle
• nag
• stir (up)
• high-pressure
• blandish
• soft-soap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourage
• deter
• dissuade
• restrain
• check
• brake
• inhibit
• curb
• constrain
• hold back

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

• spur
• stab
• poke
• dig
• prod
• punch
• nudge
• knock
• propel
• jab
• stick
• bore
• chuck
• drill
• pierce
• jog
• perforate
• drive
• prick
• puncture
• hale

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

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

Actions always spoke louder than words with Vardy, who was never comfortable talking about his own success but relished reminding some of the supporters who goaded him that there was a Premier League title in Leicester’s trophy cabinet. —Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

If the player chosen were goaded into retaliating, the grand experiment would be set back a decade or more. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025