incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv How to pronounce incentive (audio)
Synonyms of incentive
: 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
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.
Whereas the federal incentive may have been enough to spark interest in a range of buyers, Moody said the lesser amount will probably appeal mainly to people who already have their eye on an EV. Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Tesla’s results – which came in above expectations – indicate the company may be recovering after two straight years of annual sales drops and the removal EV tax credits in the US, which has lowered the incentive for prospective American buyers. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix. ABC News, 3 July 2026 Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City The building’s owner, a company called Delta Quad, has also faced multiple foreclosure proceedings since 2025, and the city terminated a financing incentive agreement for the property last spring. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incentive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "model, example, stimulus," borrowed from Late Latin incentīvum "incitement, enticement," noun derivative from neuter of incentīvus "inflaming, urging," going back to Latin, "(of the right-hand tube of a pair of double-reed pipes) playing the tune (which the other tube modulates)," from incentus, past participle of incinere "to play (on a musical instrument)" (from in- in- entry 2 + canere "to sing, play (on an instrument)") + -īvus -ive — more at chant entry 1

Note: In Late Latin, the adjective incentīvus was apparently influenced in sense by Latin incendere "to set on fire, inflame, incite" (past participle incensus) and its derivatives—see incense entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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

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