incentivize

verb

in·​cen·​tiv·​ize in-ˈsen-tə-ˌvīz How to pronounce incentivize (audio)
incentivized; incentivizing

transitive verb

: to provide with an incentive
would incentivize employees with stock options

Examples of incentivize in a Sentence

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.
In theory, levies on imports incentivize firms to build manufacturing in the U.S. as a means of averting the tax burden. Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 July 2025 Communicate industry needs to representatives, supporting policies that incentivize innovation, promote interoperability and address workforce development in civil engineering and related fields. Ronald Bisio, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 Each was the second of its kind, in what the groups hope will be a running series that incentivizes top AI companies to improve their practices. Billy Perrigo, Time, 17 July 2025 Domestic manufacturing is a priority of President Donald Trump’s second administration and the president has leveraged tariffs as a way to incentivize companies to build and stay in America. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentivize

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incentivize was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Incentivize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentivize. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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