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.

The Crusades, for example, sped development of international finance and spurred creation of double-entry bookkeeping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

The policy was first implemented this month and was not spurred by the World Cup, or the Olympics coming to L.A. in two years, a Universal Studios spokesperson told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

The Chinese biotech industry’s ascent has spurred a spate of deals with foreign heavyweights, including one between U.S. pharma giant Bristol Myers Squibb and Hengrui Pharmaceuticals that could be worth over $15 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

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

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

One of the early studies that spurred a rather heightened curiosity of the benefits of music was dubbed the “Mozart Effect.”

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin