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
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Recent Examples of spur
Annie Goldman, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
The campaign’s debut spurred a rally for the stock, which reportedly increased the market value of the brand by more than $400 million.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour has helped inspire an obsession with all things Wild West this year — and her stop in Las Vegas (July 25 - 26) is the perfect excuse to strap on your spurs, or at least purchase a cowboy hat.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spur
Verb
The development was spurred by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority's approval of a tax credit, also July 28.
—Annie Goldman, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
The campaign’s debut spurred a rally for the stock, which reportedly increased the market value of the brand by more than $400 million.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
Noun
Skechers Hands-free Go Walk Flex-relish Slip-ins Among the thousands of reviewers are nurses, teachers, and everyday people who struggle with foot problems from spurs to plantar fasciitis—all singing the praises of these Go Walk Flex-Relish Slip-ins.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour has helped inspire an obsession with all things Wild West this year — and her stop in Las Vegas (July 25 - 26) is the perfect excuse to strap on your spurs, or at least purchase a cowboy hat.
—Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for spur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
Verb
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Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were stabbed to death in the middle of the night at their off-campus residence.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
24 July 2025
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The students -- roommates Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle, and Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin -- were stabbed to death at the girls' off-campus house on Nov. 13, 2022.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Elijah Craig first discovered that there were two towns in its home state of Kentucky named Happy and Gilmore, and that became the impetus for this special gifting.—
Jeanette Hurt,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The Cannonball Run’s legend was the impetus for the 1981 action-comedy film of the same name and starring Burt Reynolds.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
27 July 2025
Noun
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Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal (daniellefaskell@gmail.com).—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
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The Kanwar Yatra passes through the northern states that form the bedrock of support for Modi’s Hindu-nationalist government, which critics accuse of attacking the secular ideals enshrined in India’s constitution.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
14 July 2025
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Circularity done properly is more efficient and cheaper than dig and dump.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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During a Monday press conference, lawmakers and The Boring Co. officials did not share details on any incentives The Boring Co. receives.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
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Loyalty programs—built through airline partnerships, premium tiers and behavioral incentives—can further deepen trust and retention.—
Baranitharan Venkatakrishnan,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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This review pokes a useful hole in the breathless reception this film received, while managing to feel fond.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
24 July 2025
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The dish is almost a tease, tickling and poking you by showcasing carrots such that here a confident argument is made to herald them in as the pre-eminent salad vegetable.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Axios reported last month that Trump stopped short of endorsing Rogers during a February dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Republican senators, but offered encouragement.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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Others shared words of encouragement and admiration for Savage.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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The New York Yankees have a reinforcement on the way ahead of their postseason push.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
25 July 2025
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The first shots were exchanged in May, prompting the reinforcement of the border.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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