as in dug
to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object
gently spurred the horse with his heels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spurred
In both groups, mCOMBRIAX spurred statistically-significant higher immune responses against common flu strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B/Victoria) and against SARS-CoV-2 than the comparator vaccines.
—
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
The Senate Insurance Committee on Monday voted down the measure, SB 1076, one of the most ambitious bills spurred by the devastating January 2025 wildfires.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Ever since its publication in 1980, the MacBride Report has spurred debates on international imbalances and global inequality in the field of media and communication.
—Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Prospect, a private equity company, has spurred scrutiny about the role of private equity in health care companies and concerns that such firms strip equity and cut costs to the detriment of the hospital and its patients.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
The Senate Insurance Committee on Monday voted down the measure, SB 1076, one of the most ambitious bills spurred by the devastating January 2025 wildfires.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Ever since its publication in 1980, the MacBride Report has spurred debates on international imbalances and global inequality in the field of media and communication.
—Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Prospect, a private equity company, has spurred scrutiny about the role of private equity in health care companies and concerns that such firms strip equity and cut costs to the detriment of the hospital and its patients.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spurred
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurred
Verb
-
The men in the community dug trenches to make way for the first pipes, which finally came in 1968, Mayhew-Jones said.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Despite not being scheduled for dog daycare at Spot’s Place in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, the energetic pup dug her way under the back gate and followed her usual route to get there on her own.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Marcus Semien hit a chopper down the left side, which Jorbit Vivas stabbed at wildly while missing it badly.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Two people were stabbed in north London on Wednesday in an attack that police have now formally declared a terrorist incident, prompting a major emergency response and an ongoing counterterrorism investigation.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There might never have been The Osbournes had Stern not pushed and prodded the deliciously wacky rock star family to bring their story to the airwaves.—
Malina Saval,
Rolling Stone,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The Gilbert family prodded the authorities to continue searching for Shannan Gilbert, and on December 13, 2011, her remains were found in the Oak Beach marshlands.—
Laura Payne,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On Thursday, before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Kimmel poked fun at the event on his late night show, sharing faux remarks for his own dinner.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Pistons punched back with a 20-5 run as the Magic at one point missed 13 straight shots from the floor.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The would-be robbery victim did not need medical attention after being punched.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The czar, goaded by his military advisors, mobilized the Russian army knowing that meant war.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With limited offseason cap space around the league, Powell might need to work with the Heat on a sign-and-trade deal if he is nudged aside or chooses to move on elsewhere.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The other man attempted to walk around the victim to get in the elevator when the victim nudged him with his laundry basket.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Here's a look at the pitch that ultimately knocked Jasson Domínguez out of the game.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The girl reportedly freed herself and knocked on a nearby neighbor's door, where she was brought inside to safety.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spurred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurred. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
