SPUR Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'spur' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of spur are goad , impulse , incentive , inducement , and motive . While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor. // fear was a spur to action

Q: In what contexts can 'goad' take the place of 'spur'?

While the synonyms goad and spur are close in meaning, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire. // thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Q: When might 'impulse' be a better fit than 'spur'?

The meanings of impulse and spur largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution. // buying on impulse

Q: When could 'incentive' be used to replace 'spur'?

Although the words incentive and spur have much in common, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action. // a bonus was offered as an incentive

Q: When can 'inducement' be used instead of 'spur'?

While in some cases nearly identical to spur , inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another. // offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

Q: Where would 'motive' be a reasonable alternative to 'spur'?

The words motive and spur can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act. // a motive for the crime

spur 1 of 2

verb

Definition of spur next

as in to stab

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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spur

2 of 2

noun

ˈspər

as in impetus

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in support

a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else a weak wall that might need a spur

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spur contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of spur are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and motive. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

In what contexts can goad take the place of spur?

While the synonyms goad and spur are close in meaning, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When might impulse be a better fit than spur?

The meanings of impulse and spur largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When could incentive be used to replace spur?

Although the words incentive and spur have much in common, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When can inducement be used instead of spur?

While in some cases nearly identical to spur, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

Where would motive be a reasonable alternative to spur?

The words motive and spur can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

Examples 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 spur

Verb

The White House has credited the CHIPS Act for spurring hundreds of billions of dollars of investments as well as hundreds of thousands of jobs. —

Paolo Confino, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 Pinching spurs the plant to branch and create more flowers. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

That spur, which became known as the Denver and Boulder Valley Railroad, connected Brighton to the east with Boulder to the west, with a stop in Erie along the way. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2024 When given a band as eager to bust through the gate as the Strays, Cobb just has to give them a kick with the spurs. —

Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for spur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur

Verb

Another execution attempt of Creech, 74, had been scheduled for Nov. 13 — coincidentally, the same date in which the four University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed in 2022 in an off-campus apartment house.

Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
At another pro-Trump rally with Proud Boys members in D.C. the following month, four people were stabbed and at least two dozen were arrested.

Conor Murray, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024