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
Widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films of all time, Halloween went on to spur a franchise that includes over 10 films and is heavily referenced in the first Scream film. —Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025 Trump’s encouragement of Walker was enough to spur him into the race, though Republicans as a whole were hesitant, given Walker’s lack of experience and standing as an unknown quantity among GOP voters. —Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
The spur ridges that formed the canyon walls were more open, with big yellow pines and occasional meadows of dry yellow grass. —Chester Chatfield, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2025 But would better price transparency spur competition or lower prices? —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Aug. 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
  • In the third, a man stabbed his cell mate multiple times and attempted to hide his body under a sheet.
    — Christopher Damien, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The assailant then walked into the restaurant’s breakroom and began stabbing the victim multiple times, police said.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of stab
Noun
  • However, the company has recently made a huge change that is the impetus for a plan that should drive tremendous shareholder value — after being led by co-founder Aneel Bhusri since inception, Carl Eschenbach became its full-time CEO in February 2024.
    — Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Inadvertently, the smartphone has destroyed our impetus to wander, get lost, and find ourselves.
    — Paul Greenberg, Time, 20 Sep. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • As he was driven away, Matthews raised a thumbs-up to the crowd, drawing an ovation from USC fans and a huddle of his Spartans teammates, who circled together in support before returning to the sideline.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Rock for First Responders benefit concert; another year of showing their support for the event, which raises money for essential equipment and mental health programs for Santa Barbara’s first responders.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2025
Definition of support
Verb
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Jamaican’s better start again forced Lyles to dig deep to stay in the race.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of dig
Noun
  • President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act—passed solely with Democratic votes in Congress—provided historic incentives for clean energy manufacturers and EV and battery makers.
    — Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • If a ball is kicked into the landing zone and then bounces into the endzone while staying inbounds, it must be returned or downed; however, there is an incentive for attempting a return in that instance, as a touchback would only spot the receiving team at their 20.
    — Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of incentive
Verb
  • Keep communication open by avoiding poking fun at these practices.
    — Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Gibson proceeded to the Children’s Chorus room, where two staffers welcomed her to poke through the costume racks.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of poke
Noun
  • While the movement has yet to gain traction on this side of the pond, Americans have needed little outside encouragement to get in on the secondhand shopping trend, both online, led by marketplaces like ThredUp and The Real Real, and in thrift stores.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Pym was in need of encouragement.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • This broad participation stems from decades of policy, cultural reinforcement, and institutional support focused on access and engagement.
    — Lisa Kidd Hunt, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This pathway drives reward, motivation and behavior reinforcement.
    — Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2025.

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