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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This year, the dulling of anti-Trump impetus on the left is even more visible and consequential. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026 On the timing, Coke said this year’s anniversary provided the impetus to get the footage in front of the public. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 But for the iconoclastic Coppola, a desire to work with an up-and-coming actor, who his friends Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese had discovered and was not yet a star, became the other key impetus to make the film. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026 Despite Villa reaching their zenith under Emery in May, there was a growing argument to undergo a stable transitional phase, providing youthful impetus and appearing proactive, rather than reactive, in lowering the age of the squad. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impetus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetus

Noun

In July, California’s Public Utilities Commission approved new incentives of up to $20,300 for ride-hailing app drivers to buy or lease new zero-emission vehicles, and often now, ride hailers can choose to be picked up by an EV on the apps.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Lucrative contracts in the French league, lack of incentive to travel overseas and strict rules from the French Federation meant a local product grew but never went global.

— Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Angela recalled him providing clothing, shoes and money to people experiencing homelessness, along with the words of encouragement that came naturally to him.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
As captured by a parent, a note that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sent to its graduates includes kind words and encouragement from the star.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 ranks EI skills like resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership, social influence, motivation, and self-awareness as among the top ten most desirable skills.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The Whisper Man director James Ashcroft explains the motivations of the film’s serial killer antagonist.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026