Synonyms of spur

spur 1 of 2

verb

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

• stab
• dig
• poke
• prod
• goad
• nudge
• punch
• knock
• propel
• bore
• jog
• drive
• drill
• jab
• chuck
• stick
• pierce
• perforate
• puncture
• prick
• hale

spur

2 of 2

noun

ˈspər 

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

• impetus
• incentive
• encouragement
• stimulus
• motivation
• boost
• momentum
• catalyst
• impulse
• goad
• stimulant
• instigation
• reason
• fuel
• provocation
• cause
• yeast
• shot in the arm
• incitement
• inducement
• incitation
• consideration
• invitation
• spark
• motive
• occasion
• grounds
• antecedent
• catalyzer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentive
• counterincentive

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

• support
• shore
• reinforcement
• mount
• brace
• mounting
• prop
• pillar
• stay
• buttress
• foundation
• underpinning
• column
• crutch
• arch
• bracket
• truss
• stand
• shoring
• bolster
• pedestal
• cantilever
• peg
• stake
• frame
• bearing
• girder
• pilaster
• post
• strut
• base
• stanchion
• stilt

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

Recent Examples of spur

Verb

Jurek wants this new report to help spur city officials into action. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026

Huang made his case as AI has emerged as a political flashpoint, with objections to plans to build more data centers and fears that the speed with which it’s being adopted could spur the layoffs of workers who might not have a safety net. —Josh Boak, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Noun

Gold and silver metallic tones can also be used to evoke the look of belt buckles, spurs, and other metallic accessories. —Elle Turner, Glamour, 31 May 2026

Spain’s Rif War, where future Spanish dictator Francisco Franco won his spurs, served as a crucible for the values and military tactics of the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War where Franco treated his Republican enemy with the same humanity dealt out to Rif inhabitants. —John Hopewell, Variety, 12 May 2026

Phrases Containing spur

• on the spur of the moment