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
Some outlets have reported that his trip could spur the prospect of a potential meeting between the pair. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 18 July 2025 The funding will support critical roadway, transit, rail, maritime and aviation infrastructure improvements that improve safety, reduce congestion and spur economic growth. —Arkansas Online, 16 July 2025
Noun
White sneakers for women with heel spurs: Heel spurs are the growth of bone on the bottom of your heel. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Williams seemed to have decided on a spur of the moment visit to say hi to Powell and a recording engineer. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 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
  • Kernodle died from lacerations to her heart and lungs, and she had been stabbed more than 50 times.
    — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • The students -- roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle, and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin -- were stabbed to death at the girls' off-campus house on Nov. 13, 2022.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 July 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • This served as a mighty impetus to spur the Space Race.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Devastating seizures in young children were the impetus for the compensation program.
    — Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal ([email protected]).
    — Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Soliman spent about four years at Cincinnati Children's, first arriving in the United States in 2014 after being persecuted in his native Egypt for work in support of freelance journalists.
    — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • Circularity done properly is more efficient and cheaper than dig and dump.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • As an example, traditional regulatory efforts tend to be seen as restrictive, while industrial policy typically incorporates enabling incentives to stimulate private or public sector action.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Too quick of a shift could lead many aging rice farmers to just retire, while large commercial farms may need more incentives to switch back to producing mainly rice over other crops.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 18 July 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • This review pokes a useful hole in the breathless reception this film received, while managing to feel fond.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The dish is almost a tease, tickling and poking you by showcasing carrots such that here a confident argument is made to herald them in as the pre-eminent salad vegetable.
    — Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • Axios reported last month that Trump stopped short of endorsing Rogers during a February dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators, but offered encouragement.
    — M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • The first shots were exchanged in May, prompting the reinforcement of the border.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • The New York Yankees have a reinforcement on the way ahead of their postseason push.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 July 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://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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