incentive

noun

in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
Definition of incentivenext
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity the handsome reward for the missing dog was an incentive for me to start looking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun incentive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incentive are goad, impulse, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would goad be a good substitute for incentive?

The synonyms goad and incentive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace incentive?

While in some cases nearly identical to incentive, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When can inducement be used instead of incentive?

The meanings of inducement and incentive largely overlap; however, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might motive be a better fit than incentive?

The words motive and incentive can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When is it sensible to use spur instead of incentive?

While the synonyms spur and incentive are close in meaning, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 incentive Europe and China both have incentives to step up, for different reasons and with different priorities. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025 The county will issue the incentives at the time of certification of occupancy in exchange for a deed restriction that requires occupancy by a local worker, Cussen said. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025 These measures—or the threat of them—give those willing to stand against the government strong incentives to step aside. —Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025 The contract, Schefter said, could be worth up to $7 million with incentives. —Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive
  1. impetus
  2. encouragement
  3. motivation
  4. stimulus
Noun
  • Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.
    — Alison Bringé, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • With Alex's encouragement and support, Spencer makes the difficult decision to stay behind and fight for the future of his family's ranch.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Nichols, who's a mom herself, interjected with words of encouragement that both challenged and inspired parents and guardians in the room.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In the gripping Prime Video action-thriller G20, family becomes both motivation and lifeline amid political mayhem.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
  • However, right now, renters aren’t experiencing that kind of motivation.
    — Daryl Fairweather, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.
    — Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

incensing
incentive
incentives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incentive. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

Nglish: Translation of incentive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incentive

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