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

Time will tell if the scandal spurs any real estate changes for him. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Nov. 2026

Its widespread poverty — which still disproportionately affects Black people — spurs most of the criticism of the ANC, which became the leading party in a national coalition government after losing its dominance in 2024. — Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

There’s something about the show that really spurs your imagination on. — Joe Lynch, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026

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

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

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

Be careful to avoid damaging spurs, which produce next year’s fruit. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 14 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