Showing results for spurs.

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 onset of dementia in Árni spurs his grandson to consider what’s lost when the markers of memory depart.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

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

The company spurs interest by contacting consumers directly, using its proprietary databases.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“It spurs people to think about their overall goals.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Jody’s father gave him an old pair of spurs and bent in the side bars and cut down the straps and took up the chainlets until they fitted.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck