Spurred

The most appropriate synonym of the word "spurred" is prompted.

• Spurred means "to encourage or incite to action".
• Prompted means "to urge or incite to action".

Both words have a similar meaning, but "prompted" is a more specific synonym of "spurred" because it refers to an action that is more immediate and direct. For example, you might say that a teacher "spurred" her students to study harder, or that a politician "prompted" a riot.

The other words in the list are not as closely related to the meaning of "spurred".

• Reflected means "to show or indicate something".
• Instigated means "to start or cause something".
• Agitated means "to make or become restless or excited".