goads crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Struggling with the clue "goads"? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "goads crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PRODS: To prod means to poke or incite someone to action, fitting 'goads' perfectly as a way of urging someone on.
SPURS: Similar to a 'prod', a 'spur' is used to urge or encourage, often associated with making something move faster or act decisively.
URGES: When you 'urge' someone, you are strongly advising or persuading them to do something, which is a direct form of goading.
7 Letters
INCITES: To 'incite' means to encourage or stir up strong feelings or actions, especially something negative, making it a powerful synonym for 'goads'.
More About "goads crossword clue"
"Goads" is a word that frequently appears in crosswords, often requiring a synonym that implies prompting, urging, or stimulating someone or something into action. The term itself comes from a 'goad', a spiked stick used for driving cattle, making its meaning in the context of encouragement or provocation quite literal and intuitive.
When solving a crossword with "goads" as the clue, consider the nuance the puzzle setter might be aiming for. Are they looking for a gentle push, or a stronger, more forceful incitement? Answers like 'PRODS' and 'SPURS' suggest a more physical or direct encouragement, while 'URGES' and 'INCITES' can be more about persuasion or emotional provocation. Always check the surrounding letters and other clues for additional context.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for 'goads' will greatly enhance your ability to crack these clues quickly. It's a classic crossword word because of its clear core meaning but diverse range of synonyms across different intensities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like 'goads', think about the intensity of the action. Is it a gentle nudge or a strong provocation? This can help narrow down suitable synonyms.
- Check Letter Count: Always count the letters in your potential answer immediately. This is the simplest way to eliminate incorrect solutions for any clue.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Don't get stuck on one clue. Use answers from intersecting words to fill in letters and confirm your 'goads' solution. Sometimes, a single letter can confirm or deny your suspicion.
- Consider Plurals and Tenses: If the clue is plural (like 'goads'), ensure your answer is also plural. If it's a verb, match the tense (e.g., present, past).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "goads" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "goads" typically refers to actions that incite, provoke, or urge someone to do something. Common synonyms that serve as answers include 'prods', 'spurs', 'urges', and 'incites'.
How can I find synonyms for "goads" quickly?
To find synonyms for "goads" quickly, consider words related to urging, pushing, or provoking. Think about the length of the word you need and common crossword patterns for action verbs, or use an online crossword solver like ours!
What if my answer for "goads" doesn't fit the grid?
If your first answer for "goads" doesn't fit the grid, there are likely other synonyms of different lengths. Crosswords often have multiple valid answers for a single clue. Try thinking of related words with different letter counts, or look at intersecting clues for hints.