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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spur
Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Zhang had predicted that any atmospheric cooling spurred on by a layer of haze would result in thermal emission at mid-infrared wavelengths.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 2025
Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for spur
Verb
The protests came in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps spurred by President Donald Trump's directive to find undocumented immigrants.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Zhang had predicted that any atmospheric cooling spurred on by a layer of haze would result in thermal emission at mid-infrared wavelengths.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
On the contrary, these moves could provide a spur to other countries to rethink the institutional framework, either by remaking existing organizations or by finding alternatives to them.
—Ngaire Woods, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for spur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
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
Noun
-
However, America will be far better off when the impetus to adopt healthier habits falls on individuals and families, rather than Uncle Sam.—
Christina Smith,
Baltimore Sun,
9 June 2025
-
While Otis continued pitching for the next couple of years, helping lead Columbine to the Class 5A title as a junior, the impetus for her switch to full-time outfielder came a few weeks before the start of her senior season.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Crucially, the Pixel 8 still has five years of software support left.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
Keep in mind that bush-type beans and peas generally don't need support, but pole beans require trellises or cages for their vining stems. Lupines: Many growers don't realize that lupines belong to the legume family and can also benefit neighboring plants with their nitrogen fixing roots.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
During Saturday’s rodeo, the four SDG&E teams were required to compete in four timed tasks, from pipe-cutting and digging to assembling a gas meter and installing new gas service.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2025
-
Avoid biting, picking, or digging under your nails.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
This structure leaves little incentive for buyers locked into contracts to make any moves until the contract ends.—
Greg Robinson,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
-
While geothermal energy loses out in the current package, some Republicans, including U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have called for the power source’s tax incentives to remain.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
13 June 2025
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
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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
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
Noun
-
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to provide President Donald Trump with some positive reinforcement by crediting Americans for ending a war in Europe during his visit to the White House on June 5.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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These reinforcements can mean the difference between minor damage and catastrophic failure when a major storm hits.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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