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

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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

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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

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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 of spur in a Sentence

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Verb

But the unspeakable violence inflicted on this community has spurred a very public purpose for the family: bringing awareness to traumatic brain injuries among military members and a call to action for continued research. —

Brenda Breslauer, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Ives' view is that a Trump administration will remove the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit offered to consumers, something GM and other automakers count on to spur EV adoption. —

Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

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 The males are one of the only venomous mammals, equipped with sharp spurs on their hind feet that are covered with a clear, slightly sticky fluid akin to snake venom that causes severe pain and swelling in victims who are scratched. —

Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for spur

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spur.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 28 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of spur

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