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.

National-security and cybersecurity officials, including National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross, have pushed for some AI restrictions to address the technology’s potential harms, which have spurred growing backlash around the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

"Then we got some summer rain," Eastough says, which spurred the growth of young green shoots.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The sporadic releases have left the impression of scarcity and spurred some fans to snap up tickets out of fear of missing out, spending more than ever before in the tournament’s 96 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

They spurred their mounts onward; the strands of the web broke and melted away.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander