Thesaurus

spur

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms of spur

(Entry 1 of 2)

to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object

gently spurred the horse with his heels

Synonyms for spur

Words Related to spur

spur

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of spur (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for spur

Words Related to spur

Phrases Synonymous with spur

shot in the arm

Antonyms for spur

2 a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else

a weak wall that might need a spur

Synonyms for spur

Words Related to spur

shoring

bearing

Frequently Asked Questions About spur

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