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.

Hopes for further U.S.-Iran peace talks spurred appetite for risky assets, causing Asian equities to rise and oil prices to fall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The rapid proliferation of drones has made many of those weapons less relevant, and spurred Ukrainian rag-tag arms producers to become global leaders in drone warfare and anti-drone systems.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

UConn’s Geno Auriemma was spurred by a perceived slight by South Carolina’s Dawn Staley before the Gamecocks’ win in the women’s semifinal on Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The White House said the threat of tariffs had already spurred pharmaceutical firms to promise $400bn investments in the US.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Jon waited until the last echoes had faded, then spurred his palfrey forward where everyone could see him.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin