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 Other reasons include rooftop solar incentives, new transmission systems and upgrades for electric vehicles. —

Calmatters, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024 Currently, the Georgia Department of Economic Development grants a 20% tax credit, with additional incentives also available. —

Elyse Apel | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Dec. 2024 Blocking a multibillion-dollar investment from a company based in an allied country and replacing it with a Rube Goldberg machine of tax incentives and tariffs doesn’t seem very efficient. —

The Editors, National Review, 4 Dec. 2024 Indeed, at a time when tropical forests and grasslands are besieged by farming, mining, and other threats, birdwatching tourism offers a real incentive to keep ecosystems intact. —

Benji Jones, Vox, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incentive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive

Noun

What was the impetus for the flag on the Stankonia cover?

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
The true impetus for their overhaul, however, was climate-related.

Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024