Thesaurus results for SPURRING

spurring

verb

present participle of spur

as in stabbing

to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object gently spurred the horse with his heels

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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 spurring In a second interview, Dupree testified Davis stated that his nephew Orlando Anderson had been jumped, spurring Davis and cohorts on a hunt for revenge against Shakur. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Will Pattiz is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. — Will Pattiz, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026 While some view them as competitors, market data suggests synergy, with engagement in one often spurring interest in the other. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Fuel costs for airlines and autos, due to the Iran conflict, are spurring much of that growth. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 The data centers that power artificial intelligence are being built at a rampant pace, and are spurring resistance all over the country. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026 This spring, three blue whale carcasses washed up on the Newfoundland shore, spurring a panic about whale explosions. — Naomi Skwarna, hazlitt.net, 13 Aug. 2026 This shift has been spurring the local design industry as well. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 The associated Wall Street boom has bolstered stock portfolios, spurring spending by the well-to-do, which is also increasing demand. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurring

Verb

The boyfriend of an 18-year-old college soccer player in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is accused of fatally stabbing her, putting her body in the hatch of her vehicle and recruiting his mother for help disposing of the body, authorities said.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Anthony was sentenced in June 2026 to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet in April 2025.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of stabbing

Verb

But Vicki immediately goes past Meredith Marks (disengaging) to Amanda Frances (opening her laptop and working), even as the others try to earn their paychecks by poking at her.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
Milk Stage of Kernels Check the kernels on an ear by poking it with your fingernail.

— Danielle Ernest, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of poking

Verb

His Dahl is constantly goading people, driving them right up to the edge of their tolerance.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
So, does Roan deserve all the credit for softening the nature of these carpets, where dozens of photographers gather to scream goading or even offensive remarks at talent just to get their attention?

— Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026

Definition of goading

Verb

But economic and political pressures, both domestic and international, have been prodding policymakers to rethink the path and the pace of getting there.

— Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
The White House also couldn’t resist prodding Swift when the singer married Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, unleashing a series of memes on the day of the wedding in July.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of prodding

Verb

Alaves' Ángel Pérez was reprimanded by coach Quique Sánchez Flores after being substituted and punching the bench several times.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Speaking to reporters before heading out on a campaign bus tour in Maine, Collins was asked about recent reports of a 1988 incident in which Jackson faced misdemeanor charges for punching an unnamed man.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of punching

Verb

While someone off-camera told the riders to keep their hands up and not close their eyes, RAYE excitedly raised her own hands into the air before nudging Jordan to do the same.

— Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Experts shared some practical tips for nudging your teen in the right direction.

— Parents, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of nudging

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spurring

spurs

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“Spurring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurring. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of spurring

verb

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