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
In a remarkable act of creation spurred on by the space race between America and the Soviet Union, science fiction television shows in the 1960s confidently came of age, emerging from campy low-budget offerings of space commandos amid cardboard sets and sparking rockets to more sophisticated fare. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025 However, Trump and his top allies have argued the tariffs could spur manufacturing in the U.S., or make products made in the U.S. more competitive. — Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
Technically called a nectar spur, the tube funnels sugary liquid to pollinators who can reach it, and this new species has one that's over a foot long. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 31 Dec. 2024 According to the Great Firewall, a program that tracks internet censorship in China, the country began blocking Bluesky ahead of June 4, the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, a common spur for censorship in the country. — Kevin Collier, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024 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
  • During episode 1, the police show Jamie, Eddie and their attorney a closed-circuit video of Jamie stabbing Katie in the parking lot where her body was later found.
    — Jessica Sager, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Angga alleged that he and other workers on his ship were frequently beaten and stabbed with a needle, and were often given only rice to eat.
    — Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • Lagarde, now its executive director, founded the initiative in 2010, but its impetus was New Orleans’ long struggle to rebuild and recover from Hurricane Katrina.
    — Chris Boyette, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • How that plays out depends on a number of factors, such as where the conflict starts and what the impetus is, which would shape the way all major actors and allies respond to whatever acts as the spark.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Authorities contend that Khalil expressed support for the Palestinian militant group , which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.
    — Jason Lemon, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For caregivers, consider how communities have created lifelines to showcase that support exists and that the journey does not have to be siloed.
    — Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Without being asked, Mr. Castillo grabs a shovel and starts digging.
    — Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • New state and federal incentives will pay the bulk of the cost for the upgrade, making this an even more cost-effective choice.
    — Ben Roush, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Working with multiple carriers unlocked access to more incentives, bonuses and rewards.
    — David Price, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This occurs as bright points of light appear when sunlight pokes through valleys and mountain ridges on the moon, just before or after the period of totality.
    — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • Commercial pilot and licensed psychotherapist shares words of encouragement after recent plane crashes Michaela Renee Johnson says fear is a natural response to seeing the recent aviation disasters and shares thoughts on how people can ultimately tackle their fear.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • With his signature goofiness and kindhearted nature, Captain Goof-Beard helps Mickey and his friends on treasure hunts and exciting seafaring quests by providing clues, guidance, and encouragement, all while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance.
    — Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • There’s a fine line between lighting up people when it’s required while also giving positive reinforcement, and Bridges has figured out the formula to toeing it effectively, taking on the unenviable duty of being the person trying to keep everybody in check on the court.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025
  • However, positive reinforcement is more than rewards.
    — Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of reinforcement

Phrases Containing spur

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Cite this Entry

“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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