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

From tax credits and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers to incentives for builders to invest in new construction, these positive proposals would have positively affected this vexing problem. —David Byrd, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025

Fram Energy’s approach not only democratizes access to clean energy but also aligns financial incentives across stakeholders. —Christer Holloman, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Once a steadfast critic of Trump’s policies, Snoop’s presence on this stage left fans questioning whether financial incentives or a strategic rebranding motivated his change of heart. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025

The Wolverines were so invested in talent retention that a One More Year Fund was launched to, as the name suggests, provide financial incentives for stars like Blake Corum to stay for one more year instead of turning pro. —Matt Baker, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

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