incentive

noun

in·​cen·​tive in-ˈsen-tiv 

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

incentive adjective

Synonyms of incentive

• 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

What is less publicly acknowledged is the fact that some national banks also sit at the heart of party and patronage networks, providing political incentives to slow walk reforms. —Douglas Rediker, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2025

The incentive plan aims to lure the team across the state line. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025

This is the largest allocation ever set forth for incentives in Texas, which experts believe will bring more business to the state. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025

Tesla’s aggressive price cuts squeezed margins across the industry, while political shifts in Washington have rolled back incentives designed to boost EV adoption. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 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