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.
To reassure the Buffett’s of the world, and win more of their cash, Tokyo must reduce bureaucracy, level playing fields, incentivize a startup boom, increase productivity, loosen labor markets and empower women to enliven growth and create new wealth for a critical mass of Japanese. William Pesek, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Rubio, in particular, favors a strategy based on incentivizing domestic production. Mariana Mazzucato, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 There is no shortage of attorneys who would bring those lawsuits, and the success of one case would incentivize other attorneys to try. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025 Trump also said the potential for dividend payments would incentivize people to report wasteful spending. Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incentivize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentivize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!