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.

Europe’s heat has spurred a wave of demand for air conditioning and softened resistance from authorities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

This has spurred worries over the extent of potential government pushback against BOJ rate hikes, the senior currency analyst says in a research report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

They also acknowledged delays in recent vote counting have spurred frustration, and promised to speed the process through other solutions — including by investing millions into new election infrastructure and vote processing capabilities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

The pair are competitive, he said, so having the rap superstar watch on only spurred them on.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

She spurred Arion, and they shot across the countryside, heading straight for the growing tornado.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan