1
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity
the threat of losing its only sports franchise was the spur the city council needed to finally do something about the rising crime rate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in support
a structure that holds up or serves as a foundation for something else
a weak wall that might need a spur
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spur
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
For Native people, the war marked a dangerous fork in the road, stirring famine, spurring a massive refugee crisis, and permanently shifting the balance of power in the heart of the continent.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
That loop yields a two-mile hike with 300 feet of climbing, not counting the short spur trail up to the hogback.
—John Meyer, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spur
Verb
But then Denver caught fire from deep – Murray and backup center Jonas Valanciunas each hit two – to spur a 19-3 run with the three-time MVP still on the bench.
—Noun
Some say his spurs are still jingling down the hallway, chasing after her.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for spur
Verb
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The woman who was stabbed is in stable condition, and the man is in critical condition, the spokesperson said.—
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Early the following morning, Anaheim police officers responded to the intersection of Santa Ana and Helena streets after witnesses reported seeing two men chasing Reyes and one of them stabbing him.—
Noun
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Similar moves in other antitrust actions, including the recent settlements in American college sports, have proven pivotal, with an initial settlement with one party providing the impetus for other parties to settle as well.—
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Their impetus was to subvert the expectations of stories involving characters from their community.—
Noun
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Andy Baker-White, the senior director of state health policy for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said the bipartisan support for bills targeting food dyes and ultraprocessed food struck him as unusual.—
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The perfectly chunky, almost-statement shoes feature a lightweight midsole, shock-absorbing arch support, and a deep heel cup designed to keep your foot stable as you strut.—
Verb
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Matt Byrne Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
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Were the Browns supposed to dig themselves out of a multiyear hole in one season?—
Noun
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The official boundaries of the new stadium incentive district have not yet been finalized.—
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The grocer will also receive a $50,000 retailer incentive bonus.—
Verb
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The actress hasn't spoken publicly about her dating life, aside from a few TikTok videos poking fun at her singleness.—
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Continue reading … POLITICS POLITICAL THEATER – Vance reposts meme poking fun at Democrats' Jan 6 candlelight vigil.—
Noun
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Her brother shaved his head alongside her, while friends organized care packages, drove her to sessions and offered constant encouragement.—
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The chatbot repeatedly offered Nelson doting messages and constant encouragement, Turner-Scott claimed.—
Noun
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The Bucs hope that switching up the coaching staff, adding more reinforcements through free agency and most importantly, keeping the main leader in place, could bode well for 2026.—
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Training begins in a simulated environment using reinforcement learning, where the robot improves by trial and error.—
Cite this Entry
“Spur.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spur. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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