incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
Synonyms of incentivenext
: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
incentive adjective

Synonyms

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motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of incentive in a Sentence

The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy. The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs. The company is offering a special low price as an added incentive for new customers.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Europe and China both have incentives to step up, for different reasons and with different priorities. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 The contract, Schefter said, could be worth up to $7 million with incentives. —Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 Even many of those with good insurance coverage are frustrated at the system’s perverse incentives, byzantine regulations, and opaque processes. —Alana Semuels, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 If a particular incentive doesn’t work, the system can quickly pivot to something else. —Ying Yang, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of incentivus stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere to play (a tune), from in- + canere to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incentive was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing incentive

Rhymes for incentive

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incentive
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Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentive. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

incentive

noun
in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsent-iv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder

More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

Nglish: Translation of incentive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incentive

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