incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
incentive adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for incentive

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of incentive in a Sentence

The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy. The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs. The company is offering a special low price as an added incentive for new customers.
Recent Examples on the Web Tesla has rolled out its own incentives to boost sales in China. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 5 Mar. 2024 Certain jurisdictions offer more or fewer incentives for particular certifications. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 The project itself does not require PSC approval under a 2017 law exempting utilities from the normal approval process in the Electronics and Information Technology zone that was created as part of a $3 billion incentive package to lure Foxconn to Wisconsin. Karl Ebert, Journal Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2024 Maine’s rapid adoption is being spurred by a combination of state rebates on top of federal incentives and a new cadre of vendors and installers, as well as mounting frustrations over the high cost of heating oil. Cara Buckley, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 In the automotive sector, for instance, incentives for buying electric vehicles are limited to vehicles with final assembly in North America. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in launched several policies to try and incentivize women to have more children, including cash incentives for families. TIME, 1 Mar. 2024 Why shouldn't employees have the same long-term incentives? USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Strategic industries like semiconductors, aeronautics, quantum computing and new-energy vehicles linked to long-term policy objectives are more likely to list on the mainland than in Hong Kong given specific incentives as well as political considerations. Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incentive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of incentivus stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere to play (a tune), from in- + canere to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incentive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near incentive

Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incentive

noun
in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsent-iv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder

More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

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