incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv 

: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action

incentive adjective

Synonyms

• boost
• encouragement
• goad
• impetus
• impulse
• incitation
• incitement
• instigation
• momentum
• motivation
• provocation
• spur
• stimulant
• stimulus
• yeast

Choose the Right Synonym for incentive

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

Boden reports near-weekly inquiries since the incentive’s introduction. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024

Although the incentives vary by cruise line, different status levels are usually based on the number of nights a passenger sails. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Paired with incentives, state and local governments in the state have drawn scores of new business opportunities. —David Beasley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024

The governor also set aside up to $5 million for incentives to lure the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder. —John Frank, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing incentive

• counter-incentive

Kids Definition

incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsent-iv 

: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder