as in dug
to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object
gently spurred the horse with his heels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 spurred
Much of the prevailing sentiment has been spurred by years of growing frustration with current measurement of TV audiences.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 May 2026
The first new attractions in the expansion, which was spurred by rapid growth in the Treasure Valley, opened in 2023, the Statesman previously reported.
—Rose Evans
updated May 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
The release marks the latest chapter amid a resurgent public interest in UFOs, which has been spurred by a number of high-profile Congressional hearings in recent years on the topic.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Alex and Lizzy drove around DC and sat down with six former FDA officials to discuss their love for the agency — and why months of turmoil ultimately spurred their exits.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 May 2026
The first new attractions in the expansion, which was spurred by rapid growth in the Treasure Valley, opened in 2023, the Statesman previously reported.
—Rose Evans
updated May 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026
The release marks the latest chapter amid a resurgent public interest in UFOs, which has been spurred by a number of high-profile Congressional hearings in recent years on the topic.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Alex and Lizzy drove around DC and sat down with six former FDA officials to discuss their love for the agency — and why months of turmoil ultimately spurred their exits.
—O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurred
Verb
-
The Dream dug themselves an early hole, starting a dismal 1-of-12 from three-point range in the first quarter and missing several layups in transition.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
In 2023, a cadaver dog alerted on topsoil near a converted shed behind the house in which the boy and his family lived, but as authorities dug deeper, the dog no longer alerted, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Arriving officers found an unresponsive man who had significant injuries consistent with being stabbed, Becchina said.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2026
-
What followed, Lane claimed, was a four-hour altercation in which Wilson choked and stabbed him multiple times in the chest and hand, before throwing him through a pair of sliding glass doors.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Ryan Yates prodded the ball to Dilane Bakwa, who in turn crossed for Taiwo Awoniyi to guide home a header and put them in front.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
There might never have been The Osbournes had Stern not pushed and prodded the deliciously wacky rock star family to bring their story to the airwaves.—
Malina Saval,
Rolling Stone,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Many curious passersby poked their heads inside, wondering if the restaurant was serving food again.—
Iris Kwok
May 12,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Holding her breath, Ana poked her head into the coop.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
In late February, animal rights activists flew a drone over a calf ranch in the Central Valley and watched as workers kicked and punched the animals.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
In Rhode Island, school speech therapist Denise Champney said she’s seen children get so frustrated with the software’s animations and spoken prompts that one punched the screen of his Chromebook.—
Tyler Kingkade,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
He was mocked and goaded by Callum Newman into attacking Shingo Takagi after Newman retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
The czar, goaded by his military advisors, mobilized the Russian army knowing that meant war.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Later, when the oldest hit her mid-teens and eventually went off to college, the two boys were nudged into leadership roles of their own and nominally put in charge of the youngest kid, a sister.—
Andre Mouchard,
Daily News,
9 May 2026
-
Hawkers hitched boxes higher and nudged each other to behold the spirited pregnant woman.—
‘Pemi Aguda,
Literary Hub,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
The deputy then spoke with the boy, who said the water bottle Schuman threw hit him on the side of his stomach and knocked his phone down.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spurred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurred. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
