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 So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 This process seems to have an inexorable direction and impetus. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 So there was kind of an ode to that; that was an impetus for this thing. — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026 The stadium announcer can be heard telling fans about some sort of promotion, so that might have been the impetus for Kelce’s Big Mac pep talk. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impetus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetus

Noun

The departures concentrated in September 2025, when the administration's incentive programs for resignation and early retirement took effect.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Congress should pass legislation that ensures predictable payments that reflect fair market rates and removes incentives to exploit arbitration while preserving strong protections against surprise bills.

— Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Mid-month, an interesting and rare triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node constellates in Leo, pumping you up with confidence and motivation to go all the way for the gold.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.

— Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026