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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spurred
Threats to ‘throat punch’ staffers This spring, the county released the findings of two personnel investigations into Curtis’ conduct that were spurred by concerns raised by elections employees and their union representatives.
—
Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The company’s interest was spurred by Illumix’s work in scaling its mapping technology and building it out for real-world experiences.
—Corbin Bolies, Variety, 4 June 2026
That project spurred community action to change the statistics and the narrative, work that continues today.
—Steve Coffman
june 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
Nowak's death has triggered debates about policing and knife crime and has spurred claims by far-right activists and politicians that there is bias against white people in the justice system.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
The company’s interest was spurred by Illumix’s work in scaling its mapping technology and building it out for real-world experiences.
—Corbin Bolies, Variety, 4 June 2026
That project spurred community action to change the statistics and the narrative, work that continues today.
—Steve Coffman
june 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
Nowak's death has triggered debates about policing and knife crime and has spurred claims by far-right activists and politicians that there is bias against white people in the justice system.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurred
Verb
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When challenged by Palo Alto’s Amaya Bharadway in the final 100 meters, Dailey dug down and pulled away.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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Suarez walked Fry to load the bases, but dug deep and struck out Manzardo and Stuart Fairchild, who lost an ABS challenge in the process.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Digwa stabbed him five times, causing significant internal bleeding from a chest wound, local police said in a statement.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
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The report, which was published on the DHS website, also noted that the officer who stabbed the detainee with a pen was disciplined.—
Laura Strickler,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
Verb
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The dynamic has prodded PG&E to ramp up efforts to upgrade and expand its electrical system in the South Bay and elsewhere.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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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
Verb
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Even at the height of his fame, there were dubious aspects of his personal life — often self-seeded to sustain his enigma — that poked hellified holes in his impermeability as an entertainer.—
Rodney Carmichael,
NPR,
3 June 2026
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In the roadside planters, green sprouts poked up.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
Verb
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In 2024, Ilacqua said, Perry punched one man and hit another with his cane before ordering his dog to attack both of them.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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The woman who was punched by a former Shelby police officer walked into a local church Tuesday morning with civil rights attorney Ben Crump to applause from full pews.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Anthony provoked and goaded Metcalf, Wirskye said.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
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In the ensuing chaos, one of those two young men takes the stage, goaded on by his friend, and soon has the audience dancing to his melodies and words.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The complex may actually have aggravated the city’s housing woes, since its presence has reportedly nudged up rents and attracted real-estate speculators.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
4 June 2026
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Since 1851, the Charles Street Jail was an eyesore in Boston nudged between Massachusetts General Hospital, the Charles River, and the charming streets of Beacon Hill.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The committee’s volunteers knocked on more than 32,000 doors, made more than 50,000 calls and distributed more than 1,200 yard signs, according to Andrew Kim from the Yes on Measure V Davis ground team.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
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Arizona State upset Texas in the first game, as Kavan was uncharacteristically knocked around for eight hits and three earned runs across five innings.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spurred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurred. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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