INCENTIVE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'incentive' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incentive are goad , impulse , inducement , motive , and spur . While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action. // a bonus was offered as an incentive

Q: When would 'goad' be a good substitute for 'incentive'?

The synonyms goad and incentive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire. // thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Q: When could 'impulse' be used to replace 'incentive'?

While in some cases nearly identical to incentive , impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution. // buying on impulse

Q: When can 'inducement' be used instead of 'incentive'?

The meanings of inducement and incentive largely overlap; however, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another. // offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

Q: When might 'motive' be a better fit than 'incentive'?

The words motive and incentive can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act. // a motive for the crime

Q: When is it sensible to use 'spur' instead of 'incentive'?

While the synonyms spur and incentive are close in meaning, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor. // fear was a spur to action

incentive

noun

in-ˈsen-tiv

Definition of incentive next

as in impetus

something that arouses action or activity the handsome reward for the missing dog was an incentive for me to start looking

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How does the noun incentive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incentive are goad, impulse, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would goad be a good substitute for incentive?

The synonyms goad and incentive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace incentive?

While in some cases nearly identical to incentive, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When can inducement be used instead of incentive?

The meanings of inducement and incentive largely overlap; however, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might motive be a better fit than incentive?

The words motive and incentive can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When is it sensible to use spur instead of incentive?

While the synonyms spur and incentive are close in meaning, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of incentive Governments are also encouraging sustainable construction through tax incentives, which makes these investments even more appealing. —

Johan Hajji, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Japan’s new incentive, managed by the Ministry for Economy Tourism and Industry (METI), offers a cash rebate of 50% to qualifying productions that spend above a specified amount in Japan. —

Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 Tickets include a signature Santana Row wine glass, wine tastings from Livermore Valley wineries, exclusive shopping incentives, live music and more. —

Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 In recent years, Japan and South Korea have also introduced measures to encourage births – such as financial incentives, cash vouchers, housing subsidies and more childcare support – with limited success. —

Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incentive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive

Noun

The impetus to write this article was a question posed in the Gmail subreddit by a Gmail user whose main account had been compromised, despite having 2FA in place, and wanted to know if setting up a second account could be done without it being compromised by the same threat actor.

Davey Winder, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
For two of Usher’s dancers, the upbeat fare served as an impetus to take their bond to the next level.

Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024