Meaning & use
goads
Last updated
Provokes or urges someone into action, often through persistent teasing, criticism, or pressure.
See it in a sentence
Her older brother always goads her into racing him home.
The coach goads the team into pushing through the final lap.
A note on using this word
Usually implies a somewhat manipulative or irritating kind of encouragement, distinct from a positive or gentle motivation.
Words with a similar meaning
provokesincites
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
discouragesdeters
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