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
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
Cal Revely-Calder,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
The presence of Haitians in the state has helped spur economic revival in some Ohio areas that had fallen into post-industrial decline, boosting wages and job creation, Reuters has reported.
—
Reuters,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
10 June 2026
Takaichi’s Japan is now headed in the opposite direction, with Xi’s campaign of vilification a vital spur.
—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spur
Verb
But the belief died hard, and photography spurred its adherents on.
—
Cal Revely-Calder,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
The presence of Haitians in the state has helped spur economic revival in some Ohio areas that had fallen into post-industrial decline, boosting wages and job creation, Reuters has reported.
—
Reuters,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
Noun
The Beltline’s Northwest Trail, located in the industrial area around West Marietta Street and Northside Drive, has two segments open to the public, plus a meandering spur that winds its way to the bustling The Works development.
—
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
10 June 2026
Takaichi’s Japan is now headed in the opposite direction, with Xi’s campaign of vilification a vital spur.
—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
Verb
-
Gabriel Garland, the Love Island UK Islander who was removed from the villa after being named in court documents in a stabbing incident, has broken his silence.
-
Continue reading … CABIN CHAOS — Midair horror as passenger admits trying to stab stranger through the eye.
Noun
-
Whether the impetus is to satisfy a desire for seclusion or to achieve the investment benefits that development allows, these three properties, triangulated across the globe, open up new frontiers and ways of living.
-
Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus and much of the game being played in midfield.
Noun
-
Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
-
Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.
Verb
-
Elsewhere, residents have resorted to digging cesspits as latrine stocks run severely low, leading to soil and water contamination, according to Hosni Nadeem Mohanna, a water municipality spokesperson in Gaza City.
-
With the top teams digging deeper into the benches for late playoff runs, developing young players has never been more important.
Noun
-
Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.
-
The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Noun
-
Atlas performed a series of soccer moves developed using a combination of motion retargeting, reinforcement learning and whole-body control.
-
Hundreds of firefighters battled blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain on Sunday, with Spain and Italy sending reinforcements to Portugal to help with a massive blaze burning for more than three days.
Verb
-
Calderón, a big, bald man wearing a gold chain and cross-shaped earrings, sat off to the side, amid an entourage of muscular assistants in polo shirts, poking at his phone.
-
Find a location with an unobstructed view to the southeast, where the full moon’s orangey disk will poke above the horizon minutes after the moonrise time — though exactly when depends on local terrain and buildings.
Noun
-
Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.
-
Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors.
Cite this Entry
“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
