spurs

NOUN

incitement, stimulus

Synonyms

STRONG

activation actuation catalyst excitant goad goose impetus impulse incentive incitation inducement motivation motive needle prick stimulant trigger turn-on urge

Antonyms

STRONG

block deterrent discouragement hindrance prevention

WEAK

curb

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 team of volunteers are "immensely proud" of their efforts, added Julian, and hearing from the charities how the money is used to help people "spurs you on to make more."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Read: Coinbase will lay off 14% of its staff as AI spurs ‘a new way of working’

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Cromb has held community meetings with villagers as the incinerator proposal spurs a backlash.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

He avoided the Vietnam War draft with four student deferments and one medical deferment for bone spurs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“That poison,” Lyra said, turning back to the Gallivespians, “in your spurs, I mean, is it deadly? Because you stung my mother, Mrs. Coulter, didn’t you? Will she die?”

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman