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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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 The start of training camp — and the start of the regular season in the near future — can be the impetus that moves negotiations closer to the finish line. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 28 July 2026 His office pointed to recent examples of ballot seizures in California and Georgia as the impetus for the legislation. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 The initial impetus for the program came not from the Florida government, but from Rosewood descendants themselves, who demanded that the state both make amends for its past and secure their families’ futures. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 So that was kind of the the impetus and interest inside of Amazon. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impetus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetus

Noun

In order to convince people to replace solo driving with mass transit, LA Metro is offering cash incentives for people to park at least one of their cars at home and try walking, bike share, carpooling or taking a train or bus.

— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
The move comes nearly two years after the City of Fort Worth approved more than $70 million in incentives to support Phase II redevelopment.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Officials are asking residents to continue to pray and send words of encouragement and support to those affected by the flooding.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Spacing of races will be important as encouragement for participation in the six-race series in a five-month span.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Essential California sat down with Ben Orbison, FOLAR’s director of strategic communications, and spoke about festival highlights and motivations.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Cross-functional access can then expand gradually, creating new opportunities while maintaining focus and motivation for growth.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

The government stimulus, however, threatened to deepen the fiscal challenges faced by Japan, whose public debt stands at more than 200% of gross domestic product.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
And Obama was being seen at the time as being completely irresponsible in pursuing stimulus.

— David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026