incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv 

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

incentive adjective

Synonyms of incentive

• impetus
• encouragement
• motivation
• stimulus

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

Miller will make nearly twice as much as White in base compensation ($900,000 his first year, compared to $500,000 for White) and has all sorts of incentives and perks. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026

In response to the lull in demand, homebuilders are trying to woo buyers with cost-cutting incentives, such as amenity upgrades, reduced rates, contributions to closing costs and appliances as part of the package. —Lily O'Neill, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Apr. 2026

This month, the country scrapped export incentives involving solar panels, a move that is already expected to raise costs for solar energy infrastructure abroad. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

Cheap stock options provide less incentives for the company to take risks. —Brad Badertscher, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "model, example, stimulus," borrowed from Late Latin incentīvum "incitement, enticement," noun derivative from neuter of incentīvus "inflaming, urging," going back to Latin, "(of the right-hand tube of a pair of double-reed pipes) playing the tune (which the other tube modulates)," from incentus, past participle of incinere "to play (on a musical instrument)" (from in- in- entry 2 + canere "to sing, play (on an instrument)") + -īvus -ive — more at chant entry 1

Note: In Late Latin, the adjective incentīvus was apparently influenced in sense by Latin incendere "to set on fire, inflame, incite" (past participle incensus) and its derivatives—see incense entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incentive

• counter-incentive

Rhymes for incentive

• agentive
• attentive
• inventive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsent-iv 

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