incentive

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 The total marks the highest number of titles selected in a single round of the state’s film and TV tax incentive program, according to the California Film Commission. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 But there is extra incentive for people to pay attention this year: the government's pandemic relief payments. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 But sometimes those incentives bring unintended consequences. Harvard Business Review, 18 Mar. 2025 Still, some Republicans have begun to raise concerns about his policies, specifically his plans to roll back green energy tax incentives installed by former President Joe Biden. Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive
Noun
  • Despite this impetus for change, progress remains slow given the potential rewards.
    Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • After Thursday’s performance, where Postecoglou’s best-available line-up seemed to find the magic of Ange-ball once again, a flat first half and eventual defeat delivered by a side propped up by fringe players killed that impetus again.
    Elias Burke, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After encouragement from several key players in conversations over the winter, Baldelli implemented the idea this spring.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • With encouragement from her daughter, Hannah (played by Abby Ryder Fortson), Maggie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately learning to love herself and to treat those around her with greater kindness.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Millennials were the most optimistic about business travel overall, describing it as valuable for career development, motivation and team collaboration.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Incorporate a mix of both monetary and non-monetary recognition that aligns with your team’s values and motivations.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This brain activity leads to the provocative conclusion that people with fibromyalgia don’t simply have lower thresholds for reporting a stimulus as painful.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, leading economists agree that health care price transparency will free up $1 trillion in our economy every year, generating an enormous economic stimulus while reining in the runaway costs plaguing businesses nationwide.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incentive. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

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