Question

Choose the synonym of the word given below: Goad
a. Spur
b. Restrain
c. Pursue
d. Supersede

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym is a word that shares a similar meaning with another word. Goad means to provoke or annoy someone.

Complete answer:
Goad is a verb that means to stimulate or provoke someone to an action or reaction. We use this verb to define instigating someone on something.
Example: The news reporter was trying to goad the politician to a verbal conflict.
> In option a, we have ‘spur.’ In its verb form, ‘spur’ means to urge someone, or give encouragement to someone to do something well. It shares the similar meaning as provoke and goad. Thus, option a gives us the right synonym.
- Restrain in option b is wrong as ‘restrain’, a verb means to prevent someone from doing something. This gives a meaning opposite to ‘goad’ and hence the wrong option.
- Option c is also wrong. Pursue is a verb that means to chase or follow someone or something. As it holds no relation to the given word, we rule out this option.
- Similarly, option d is also wrong. Supersede, a verb, indicates something or someone who takes the place of another thing. It acts much like a supplant and hence, a wrong option here.

Note: As a noun, ‘goad’ means a spiked stick that is used to guide the cattle. Example: The shepherd took his sheep to the farm with his goad.