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

An email obtained by Chalkbeat suggests that Riverstone was created to spur a lawsuit over the question of whether public money can be used for religious schools. —Ann Schimke, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026

The Rams scrapped back and forth with the feisty Panthers, who in turn were spurred onward by stellar play by third-year quarterback Bryce Young and a playoff crowd that had starved for seven years between postseason appearances. —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026

Noun

Some say his spurs are still jingling down the hallway, chasing after her. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025

That loop yields a two-mile hike with 300 feet of climbing, not counting the short spur trail up to the hogback. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing spur

• on the spur of the moment