incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv 

: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action

incentive adjective

Synonyms

• impetus
• encouragement
• motivation
• stimulus

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

But the agency said there are also signs that development is spreading into other markets, like Las Vegas, that offer affordable land, cheap electricity from renewable power plants and industry tax incentives. —Michael Copley, NPR, 14 Oct. 2025

Jennings was awarded up to $3 million in playing incentives, but injuries have led to him not having a good start to the year. —James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

This means his incentives are not just tied to hitting highly ambitious targets, but also to ensuring those results are sustained over the long haul. —Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025

Consumers rushed to buy EVs ahead of federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 ending at the end of September. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incentive

• counter-incentive

Rhymes for incentive

• agentive
• attentive
• inventive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsent-iv 

: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder