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.
The main use of the internet by these terrorist groups – incentivizing and radicalizing supporters and stoking fear with propaganda – is something bin Laden would have had to do with videotapes played by the news. Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025 Hoosiers for Affordable Healthcare is advocating for state legislation that would incentivize nonprofit hospitals to either lower their prices or forfeit their nonprofit status and, therefore, pay property taxes. Megan Garnai, IndyStar, 10 Sep. 2025 Even when a private attorney takes on a public defender case, the lower reimbursement rate compared to full-paying clients incentivizes attorneys to cut a quick deal, risking the defendant’s legal outcome, according to a report from the Sixth Amendment Center. Margaret Shreiner, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Governments must incentivize reskilling, corporations must make training transparent and accessible, and workers must take agency in developing new competencies. Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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