incentive

noun

in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
Definition of incentivenext
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity the handsome reward for the missing dog was an incentive for me to start looking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Additionally, the lead researcher of the database resigned last month by taking a separation incentive package. —Tracy J. Wholf may 8, CBS News, 8 May 2025 Regardless of which scenario comes to pass, Putin has every incentive to drag out the process. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 7 May 2025 Atlanta, Canada and others guarantee an incentive right up front; not Cali. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2025 The president said other countries' incentives to filmmakers and studios draw them away from the U.S., impacting the film industry. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive
  1. impetus
  2. encouragement
  3. motivation
  4. stimulus
Noun
  • The state’s budget could be the impetus for a third special session of the General Assembly in as many years — especially if federal cuts to Medicaid materialize.
    — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
  • So strong is the impetus to continue to try to be as hot as possible, at all costs.
    — Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • While Mahomes was at Texas Tech, his then-head coach and now the current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, asked Romo to write Mahomes a letter of encouragement.
    — Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • His defensive improvements at third offer encouragement about his future.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Now, a new book, Murder in the Dollhouse by Rich Cohen, peels back the sparkling facade of the Dulos's life to unearth the origins and motivations of a crime that became a national obsession.
    — Lizz Schumer, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, these ideas are just kind of slapped on the surface of Hurry Up Tomorrow, which fails to penetrate deeper into the lives and motivations of its characters.
    — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 May 2025
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Chinese factory activity contracted at its fastest pace in 16 months in April, adding urgency to Beijing’s efforts to roll out fresh economic stimulus.
    — Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • Justin Sullivan | Getty Images China’s exports surged in April even as businesses bore the brunt of U.S. tariffs that kicked into higher gear last month, while imports narrowed declines as Beijing stepped up stimulus.
    — Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

incensing
incentive
incentives
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Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incentive. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

Nglish: Translation of incentive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incentive

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