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 operation was privately funded by two German entrepreneurs and spurred intense public debate, with critics suggesting it would only cause the animal distress.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Public opposition to healthcare buyouts has grown in recent years, spurred in particular by the disruptive bankruptcies of hospital operators Steward Health Care System and Prospect Medical Holdings in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Wrexham’s streak of annual promotions spurred by its celebrity owners’ investment ended on Saturday, leaving the team in the second-tier Championship.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Although we had decades of clinical data validating its effectiveness, it was an observation from a longitudinal study of healthy nurses in the 1980s that spurred the largest bump in hormone usage.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

She spurred him on, but he wouldn’t budge.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz