Synonyms of spurs

spurs 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spur

as in stabs

to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object

gently spurred the horse with his heels

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stabs
• pokes
• digs
• prods
• goads
• punches
• knocks
• nudges
• propels
• jabs
• drives
• jogs
• bores
• perforates
• drills
• sticks
• pierces
• pricks
• punctures
• chucks
• hales

spurs

2 of 2

noun

plural of spur

1

as in incentives

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

• incentives
• encouragements
• impetuses
• motivations
• catalysts
• goads
• fuels
• stimulants
• boosts
• stimuli
• yeasts
• impulses
• causes
• reasons
• momenta
• shots in the arm
• incitements
• incitations
• provocations
• inducements
• instigations
• sparks
• invitations
• considerations
• motives
• grounds
• antecedents
• catalyzers
• occasions

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disincentives
• counterincentives

2

as in supports

a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else

a weak wall that might need a spur

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supports
• braces
• mounts
• shores
• reinforcements
• pillars
• buttresses
• props
• mountings
• stays
• columns
• underpinnings
• brackets
• foundations
• arches
• crutches
• trusses
• bolsters
• stands
• pedestals
• shorings
• pilasters
• pegs
• stakes
• bearings
• struts
• cantilevers
• girders
• frames
• stilts
• stanchions
• posts
• bases

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spurs

Verb

The hope for rehabilitation spurs on the show’s protagonist, River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), to reckless heroics. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Supporters point to consistent growth in America’s technology sector as proof that employing foreign skilled workers spurs overall productivity, and is a net benefit to the American economy. — Laina Gustafson, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Oct. 2026

The climate pattern typically emerges every two to seven years and is marked by the heating of ocean waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, which spurs changes in the atmosphere that can affect weather around the world. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Also, reducing gas taxes only spurs demand without increasing supply, which can end up raising prices, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Lizzie’s romance with Sullivan, for which there is no evidence, is what spurs her to kill Andrew and Abby in Evan Hunter’s 1984 novel Lizzie. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Briogeo Destined for Density Serum The Briogeo Destined for Density Serum is a lightweight liquid formula that thickens feeble strands, plumps roots, and rapidly spurs new hair growth. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

This, together with the execution of Lyanna’s father and oldest brother by Rhaegar’s father, the titular Mad King Aerys II, spurs Lyanna’s betrothed, Robert Baratheon (Callum Woodhouse), to move against Aerys. — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Thoughtful design elements appear everywhere, from the art and photography collection that spurs conversation to the living room ambiance of the main lounge. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Noun

Media coverage of Kreiz’s courtship of Rice is one of the spurs that pushed Netflix to make the move on a hire that will have ripple effects across its expansive film and TV operations. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Plus, according to the brand, podiatrists recommend them for people with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and other common foot, ankle, and knee issues. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

It’s called the Golden Spurs Award — given annually to the Campbell family member who shoots the turkey with the biggest spurs. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The researchers observed bends, wiggles, kinks, gaps, branches, spurs and clumps. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

One exhibit brings together the then-future president’s buckskin jacket and pants, his rifle, Tiffany knife, his spurs, and his branding irons. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026

But aside from gifting Zane with spurs, Beth’s more or less a spectator through all of the Jackson family drama. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 19 June 2026

Yeezy works into the evening, hacking at jagged spurs of plastic and tapping away with a special brass gunsmith’s hammer. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

Gold and silver metallic tones can also be used to evoke the look of belt buckles, spurs, and other metallic accessories. — Elle Turner, Glamour, 31 May 2026