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

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

Example 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

Nearly 30 people — including trade union members, people connected to the project and residents — spoke in support, arguing that the development would create jobs, spur economic growth and provide entertainment in a city that lacks it. — Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Strong consumer demand for digital-first experiences and digital money has spurred innovation, and central banks are fostering this through sandboxes and programs that connect banks, vendors and regulators. — Maghnus Mareneck, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

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 But that award is just a spur, both for the Sentinel and the greater Florida journalism community. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spur

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur

Verb

For Crystal, this occurred at the end of 2025, his annus horribilis, when Reiner and wife Michelle were found stabbed to death at their Brentwood home.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The teen accused of fatally stabbing a homeless Roseville woman faced a judge and the woman’s family Tuesday during his first court appearance in the slaying.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of stab

Noun

The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The Lake Wylie Marine Commission has rescinded its support for Charlotte Water’s request to modify its interbasin transfer agreement, the group’s leadership told Mecklenburg County commissioners during its annual report Tuesday.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
But through the hardships, Andrea Soto said the community’s support has been a positive.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

That isn’t unusual for someone who draws and paints every day — but this latest dirt is real, dug from the ground in Yorkshire and Warwickshire, England, and used as the medium for her drawings of trees and landscapes.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
And writer Faran Krentcil digs through her dating and designer past to find out whether a partner’s dislike of your fashion sense means the relationship is doomed from the start.

— InStyle, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of dig

Noun

New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Some may question whether these procedures are used too often, whether the evidence supporting them is strong enough, or whether financial incentives influence their use.

— Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

The method, called contraction-aware reinforcement learning, is designed for robots with different forms of movement, including wheeled, flying, and six-legged platforms.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Combining a prebiotic with a probiotic creates what’s known as a synbiotic combination, giving the good bacteria in your gut both reinforcements and fuel.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reinforcement

Verb

Ask it to poke holes and give you the strongest case against something.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Kessler, standing nearby during Williams’ postgame news conference, poked his head out from behind a black curtain and gave his teammate a thumbs-up.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of poke

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Browse Nearby Words

spunky

spur

spurious

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“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spur

verb

noun

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Synonyms of spur

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing spur

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Cite this Entry

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