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.

If anything, it appears the pressure of winning the title has spurred them on.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred its focus on developing robot submarines and fighter jets, with a wary eye on China's naval build-up in the Indo-Pacific.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Advances in corporate governance spurred by Japanese government initiatives are helping drive up dealmaking activity in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The worldwide moral reckoning spurred many nations, including the United States, to adopt new laws which offer protection to those fleeing persecution.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

He spurred the horse and began to canter toward the lights on the Cashtown Road.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara