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
That has spurred the search for new particles that could comprise dark matter, with a great deal of this effort conducted using particle accelerators like the LHC. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2025 Moisture and high temperatures spur the rapid growth of warm-season grasses. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025
Noun
Even more directly, the U.S. oil embargo on Japan in mid-1941 was a spur for the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into the war. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 The lack of a turkey hanging by his spurs from the victory tree beside the campfire ended my expectations. —Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 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
  • The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has tried for months to find a Boise man — accused of stabbing his roommate to death — competent enough to stand trial for his first-degree murder charge.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
  • Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Plantar fasciitis, which is usually characterized by a stabbing sensation in your heel or arch, is another common source of discomfort for runners.
    — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 5 June 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • The church declined an interview and did not respond to specific questions about the impetus for the change.
    — Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The immigration issue was Worsley’s impetus to enter politics.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 15 May 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • This story was produced with financial support from the Esserman Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
    — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
  • Nationally, Democrats have been ceding union support to Republicans, a loss that proved pivotal to President Donald Trump’s election in November.
    — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Mercury trine Pluto encourages you to dig deep into your subconscious mind and explore what’s lingering beneath the surface.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • The Biden administration sought to encourage manufacturers to build in the United States, but those efforts are still in their early stages, and many of the government incentives are now on the chopping block.
    — Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 May 2025
  • With a tiny sliver of activist voters holding the same power to deny a candidate an office as a majority of the broad general electorate, the incentives for bipartisanship have all but disappeared in most states and districts.
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • That victory put O’Malley back in the rankings. O’Malley’s next bout ended in a no contest, when an eye poke in the second round left Pedro Munhoz unable to continue.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev poked fun at the explosive war of words between U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, offering to mediate peace between the two political allies.
    — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • While this is good news, student loan borrowers should remember this drop shouldn't be taken as encouragement to acquire more student debt at lower rates.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Kelly had posted several photos on social media while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as insurrectionists injured police officers and destroyed Capitol property with prior encouragement from President Donald Trump at a rally.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • The squad saw few reinforcements ahead of the 2025 season, with two players signed on free transfers, one joining through the MLS SuperDraft and another on loan.
    — Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • The local fire and rescue services dispatched 55 vehicles and 232 personnel to the scene, while the Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a working group and rescue reinforcements, the ministry said in a statement.
    — Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Definition of reinforcement

Phrases Containing spur

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spunky
spur
spurious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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