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
Admired by friends and adored by women, his longing for love and recognition spurs him on. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025 Some of these posts have drawn ire from other parents, spurred satire videos making fun of them with millions of views, and even spawned satirical groups making fun of their larger campus ones. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
Eager to get a return on investment on their leases—as well as spur collaboration—companies have turned to creative office perks to lure workers back into the workplace. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025 Some ideas are spur of the moment and others require some pre-production. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 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
  • David Arquette will somehow reprise his role as Dewey Riley, despite the fact that the character was stabbed to death a couple movies ago.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Arredondo allegedly stabbed Paulos 30 times before fleeing the scene and then vanishing altogether, police said.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • Stamford and Columbia University have committed to research using The Pippins as the impetus, according to Chris Norton.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Part of the impetus for all these openings is the same reason Las Vegas is so primed for these restaurants in the first place.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • From fuzzy open-toe slip-ons to orthopedic slides with extra arch support, there’s an affordable gift in here for everyone.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Some celebrants were building political support for the controversial Barge Canal.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Known as knockers in England, kobolds also live in caves and mines and make knocking noises directing human miners where to dig.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Excess nutrients also make fruit tree roots more likely to rot or attract digging animals.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • Feeling some heat from next door, New York sweetened its incentive package in its latest budget earlier this year.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
  • This geopolitical calculus is complicated by immediate economic incentives.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense at UFC 321 ended in chaos after Ciryl Gane accidentally poked him in both eyes late in the first round.
    — Antonio Losada, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Or use your finger, poking it about 2 inches into the soil.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • Many social media users responded with their personal experiences and words of encouragement for Leila.
    — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • There were other signs of encouragement, like Diouf and Crysencio Summerville’s left-wing partnership, plus Freddie Potts’ solid cameo appearance.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • After completing each of the three steps, the kids listening receive a Sleepy Star—positive reinforcement that encourages kids to stick to the routine laid out by the podcast.
    — Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Just focus on my main details, my main strengths, positive reinforcement, all that good stuff.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.

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