Definitions

spurred

[spurd] / spɜrd /

VERB

incite, prompt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arouse drive propel push spark stimulate stir trigger

STRONG

animate awaken countenance exhort favor goad goose impel instigate press prick prod rally rouse sic urge

WEAK

egg on fire up key up put up to turn on work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm check discourage dissuade halt repress stop

STRONG

deaden

WEAK

disapprove

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The multiyear housing market slowdown has spurred a wave of mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

"But the people I met have changed my life and are so inspirational. That's what spurred me on to do this."

From BBC • May 24, 2026

In a nearby tent was Zuhoor Musa Abdul Rahman, a 30-year-old housewife who recounted with unnatural calm the horrors that spurred her to flee El Fasher, a city some 300 miles east of Obeid.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Advancements in machine learning, in turn, spurred more complex game-play features.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

The development of science on Earth was spurred fundamentally by observations of the regularities of the stars and planets.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan