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
  • At some point, one of Valle's friends allegedly gave him a knife, which was used during the brawl to stab McGrath.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • Porter was seen using his right hand to stab Abdirahman in the neck, according to the court documents.
    — Mike Stunson July 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 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
  • My customer service research confirms that not offering alternatives to phone support can cause about one-third of your customers to leave.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • With the right support, encouragement, and structure, Laren continues to grow and shine.
    — MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Circularity done properly is more efficient and cheaper than dig and dump.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • Companies can offer discounts or incentives to customers to try to entice them to buy trips or vacations.
    — Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025
  • The bill eliminates critical renewable energy incentives, redirects funding toward fossil fuels and nuclear power, and dismantles key progressive priorities of the Biden administration.
    — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • The hard foul came after Sheldon poked Clark in the eye in the third quarter.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • The couple began dating in 2023 and frequently poke fun at each other on their social media pages.
    — Caroline Blair, People.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • Jason Bateman even offered Shepard some encouragement to lock it down.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • The Mechanics Of Machine Learning Models AI models rely on clean data, semantic relationships and reinforcement.
    — Don Dodds, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • For fashion psychologist Jennifer Heinen, the bandage dress revival can be both a reinforcement of traditional beauty standards and a subversion of them.
    — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 11 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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