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incentive

noun
in·​cen·​tive | \ in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio) \

Definition of incentive

: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
Other Words from incentive Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about incentive

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Other Words from incentive

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Disease is an even greater incentive for the repugnance people feel toward rats. — oregonlive.com, "Follow these tips to keep rats out of homes and gardens," 27 Aug. 2019 Mangels said that fines don’t always act as an incentive to return materials for those for whom a small late fee is not a problem. — Carol Kovach, cleveland.com, "Westlake Porter Public Library is going fine-free: West Shore Chatter," 27 Aug. 2019 But by committing to improved and collective transparency, there is an incentive for those in this pact to stick to targets and not fall behind. — Marc Bain, Quartzy, "There’s reason to be skeptical of fashion’s new landmark environmental pact," 24 Aug. 2019 Trump typically positions the tariffs as an incentive for US companies to manufacture products in the US. — Klint Finley, WIRED, "Trump Delays Tariffs on Smartphones and Laptops," 13 Aug. 2019 Buttigieg intends to expand and restructure programs, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the National Health Service Corps, in order to give medical professionals an incentive to work in rural communities. — Breanna Edwards, Essence, "Pete Buttigieg Unveils Healthcare Plan To Help Black Women In Rural Areas," 9 Aug. 2019 Gates’ campaign is an incentive to shake up a public conversation that is frequently frustrating. — Cassie Werber, Quartz at Work, "Three women walk into a bar. 208 years later they get paid the same as men," 7 Aug. 2019 The comptroller’s office cautions that some those eligible to retire will not yet have earned full retirement benefits, giving some an incentive to stay. — Mark Pazniokas, courant.com, "Who is Josh Geballe? The former IBM executive is looking to transform Connecticut state government ahead of a wave of retirements," 5 Aug. 2019 Stimpson, during his news conference, said an incentive could also be granted to contractors who complete projects early. — al, "How one small Mobile project has affected city’s attitude toward road construction," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incentive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of incentive

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for incentive

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

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More Definitions for incentive

incentive

noun
How to pronounce incentive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of incentive

: something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder

See the full definition for incentive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

incentive

noun
in·​cen·​tive | \ in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio) \

Kids Definition of incentive

: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder Longer recess was an incentive to finish our work.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with incentive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incentive

Spanish Central: Translation of incentive

Nglish: Translation of incentive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of incentive for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incentive

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