spur 1 of 2

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

Relevance

spur

2 of 2

noun

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
The alarm spurred jail staff to search the facility as investigators looked through surveillance video footage. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 May 2025 Her work spurred city leaders to call for a state of emergency to improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, leading the city to implement a new quick-build program to improve high-risk roadways. Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
Even more directly, the U.S. oil embargo on Japan in mid-1941 was a spur for the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into the war. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 The lack of a turkey hanging by his spurs from the victory tree beside the campfire ended my expectations. Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spur
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Colette Stevenson MacDonald, 26, along with the couple's two daughters, Kimberley, 6, and Kristin, 2, were stabbed and beaten to death at their home located on the Fort Bragg Army base in North Carolina.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • And that is the impetus for a Wyldwood setup that will encourage cast and crew to keep their own family units intact during productions — not exactly the norm in the industry.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025
  • Political developments are a big impetus for the changes.
    Larry Light, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Ewing criticized Stothert’s support for President Donald Trump and turning the local race into a referendum on the national Republican platform.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The criticism comes as House Republicans are looking to expand their party’s support with Hispanic voters after Trump picked up a significant number of black and Hispanic votes during the 2024 election.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • During the last week of the project, the team dug some holes inside the school to take soil samples and uncovered some bones.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
  • Electric cables were ripped from the walls and dug from the ground in Aldy's home and in virtually every occupied building, stripped for copper.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • An example of the latter includes receiving restricted stock units (RSUs) or exercising incentive stock options (ISOs).
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Use incentive campaigns to drive reach growth and engagement, which will enhance conversions across your websites and platforms.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • During that same April 5 episode, Weekend Update’s Colin Jost poked fun at the singer in a bit about the economy.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 May 2025
  • The contest did not last long as Edwards poked Muhammad in the eye 18 seconds into the second round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • While Mahomes was at Texas Tech, his then-head coach and now the current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, asked Romo to write Mahomes a letter of encouragement.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • His defensive improvements at third offer encouragement about his future.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • The team went over the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper covers.
    Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Below them, the Warriors will go searching for reinforcements via trade and the free-agent market.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spur

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!