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.

Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred a focus on developing large autonomous submarines and fighter jets, dubbed the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Hopes for further talks spurred appetite for risky assets and eased concerns over crude supply disruptions in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

His report on the Enigma Network spurred Hong Kong’s largest financial investigation to date.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The White House said the threat of tariffs had already spurred pharmaceutical firms to promise $400bn investments in the US.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

That weekend, however, spurred on by his new mania for observation, Chapter Eleven took a new interest in me.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides