spur 1 of 2

verb

Definition of spurnext
as in to stab
to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object gently spurred the horse with his heels

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spur

2 of 2

noun

ˈspər How to pronounce spur (audio)
1
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity the threat of losing its only sports franchise was the spur the city council needed to finally do something about the rising crime rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else a weak wall that might need a spur

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spur contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of spur are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and motive. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

In what contexts can goad take the place of spur?

While the synonyms goad and spur are close in meaning, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When might impulse be a better fit than spur?

The meanings of impulse and spur largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When could incentive be used to replace spur?

Although the words incentive and spur have much in common, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When can inducement be used instead of spur?

While in some cases nearly identical to spur, 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 spur?

The words motive and spur 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

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 spur
Verb
Central Texas is reeling from destructive and deadly floodwaters on the Fourth of July, spurred by nearly unprecedented rainfall that swelled the Guadalupe River — drowning portions of the state's Hill Country. —Adam Carlson, People.com, 7 July 2025 According to some reports at the time, this spurred some viewers to go to the concession stand and buy a Coca-Cola. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
But the cheater came over yesterday, spur of the moment. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 19 June 2025 About three-quarters of the way up, don’t miss the spur trail to see another waterfall and swimming hole. —Jennifer Broome, Denver Post, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
  1. stab
  2. impetus
  3. support
  4. dig
  5. incentive
  6. poke
  7. encouragement
  8. reinforcement
Verb
  • One such fatwa was the one issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the previous supreme leader, against author Salman Rushdie, who was stabbed multiple times at the Chautauqua Institution in southwestern New York in 2022.
    — Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • In 2010, a kayaker in the Florida Keys had her lung punctured when a fish leapt out of the water and stabbed her in the back.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 30 June 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • But another member of the Southeastern Connecticut delegation who served as the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Aundre Bumgardner, D-Groton, said that the Plainfield proposal had been the primary impetus for the bill.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
  • Still, Streeter suggested that further pressure from the U.K. regulator could provide the impetus required to accelerate changes within the company.
    — Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 8 July 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • But French did not heed the calls, and several MAGA media personalities and politicians expressed their support for him.
    — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • The Three of Pentacles highlights teamwork, support, and building something with others.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • For landscapers to completely get rid of bamboo takes a lot of time digging, and lots of herbicide.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • There’s never been a more fruitful age for fans who want to dig under the hood of Springsteen’s process.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • Advertisement While there has never been a federal mandate to buy electric vehicles, Trump’s bill does eliminate federal tax incentives for electric-vehicle owners, which is expected to hurt Musk’s company Tesla.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 7 July 2025
  • While these efforts have generally failed to boost birth rates, one notable exception is the Hubei province city of Tianmen, where incentives were followed by a notable surge in births last year.
    — Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Johnson immediately returned to social media Wednesday night to post a series of rambling videos discussing his arrest and seemingly poking at Rogan without addressing him directly.
    — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Progress with Canada has been a roller coaster, with the U.S. president poking at the nation’s northern neighbor and repeatedly suggesting it would be absorbed as a U.S. state.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • While some commenters noted the mistake, many offered support and encouragement.
    — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • However, Bird only came out in 2017, after the encouragement of Rapinoe.
    — Grace Jordan-Weinstein, People.com, 20 June 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Positive reinforcement builds morale—and reinforces the right habits.
    — Masha Sedova, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • A little positive reinforcement goes a long way and to say, ‘Hey, this is being noticed by guys all around the league.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Definition of reinforcement

Phrases Containing spur

Browse Nearby Words

spunky
spur
spurious
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Cite this Entry

“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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