incentivize

verb

in·​cen·​tiv·​ize in-ˈsen-tə-ˌvīz How to pronounce incentivize (audio)
incentivized; incentivizing

transitive verb

: to provide with an incentive
would incentivize employees with stock options

Examples of incentivize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But with the area seeing as much as 1,200 metric tons during peak periods and the congestion (and higher freight rates) incentivizing exporters to instead ship goods out of India, the airport decided to build out the third terminal. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Oct. 2025 To legitimize its war, China would try to point to provocations by Taipei and Washington—which is why the no-deadline pledge would incentivize them to refrain from acts that Beijing could hold up as compelling casus belli. Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025 But there are still a small number of landlords who have yet to comply with the program — and city officials feel the current fine structure is inadequate to incentivize good behavior. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025 Its replacement, the Longitude Act, which incentivized both polar exploration and improvements to navigation, had the effect of aligning the goals of scientific and military personnel. Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentivize

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incentivize was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Incentivize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentivize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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