IMPETUS Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

impetus

noun

ˈim-pə-təs

Definition of impetus

as in incentive

something that arouses action or activity the reward money should be sufficient impetus for someone to come forward with information about the robbery

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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 impetus Gellar has also discussed the impetus for prioritizing family over her career. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 June 2026 Whether the impetus is to satisfy a desire for seclusion or to achieve the investment benefits that development allows, these three properties, triangulated across the globe, open up new frontiers and ways of living. — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The analysts said recent talks between Japan and the Philippines over overlapping claims in their exclusive economic zones east of Taiwan may have been the impetus for the MSA mission east of Tawain. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 That lawsuit nearly tripled the budget that ChildNet inherited from DCF and served as an impetus for creating the Children’s Services Council, which reduced the number of foster children. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impetus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetus

Noun

Nearly a year after the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax incentive for new electric vehicles, California is stepping in to try to motivate buyers to go electric.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 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, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Once all but deserted, the town experienced a revival in 1965, when artists and musicians began to flock there after encouragement from the Yugoslav government.

— Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Alexandria government roasted for absurd anti-fireworks tweet The government of Alexandria tweeted Wednesday a blunt warning about fireworks — and encouragement to snitch on your neighbors.

— David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Teams Like Norway Are Trying Re-Create Home Conditions Of course, good nutrition isn’t the only motivation behind what Norway and other teams may be doing.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
For years, Governor Ron DeSantis has fought the College Board, the group that administers the AP test, over how its standardized tests portray many things, including race and gender but also the motivations of the Founding Fathers.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

But if productivity growth is low, then stimulus just turns into inflation—too many dollars chasing too few goods.

— Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
By integrating smart shades into the components of major smart home ecosystems (those supporting Matter, Thread, Zigbee, or Z-Wave specifically), these systems can react to real-time stimuli.

— K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 30 June 2026