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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026 The impetus for baseball to seize control of in-market games was accelerated by the demise of the Main Street Sports RSNs, which marooned nine MLB clubs. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026 The impetus for the announcement was the ICE shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas last week. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 12 July 2026 Not much separated these two teams over 90 minutes, with limited attacking impetus and much of the game being played in midfield. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impetus

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impetus

Noun

Cordero’s visit to Costa Rica feeds into a wider picture in Latin America, as more countries inaugurate tax breaks and incentives.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
State and local incentives from South Carolina and Greenville County account for approximately $200 million.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

For those future divorcees, Lau has some encouragement from the other side.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Disney also introduced a first-of-its-kind red carpet activation at the film’s Los Angeles premiere, where cast members and guests stopped at a life-size interactive lily pad to write messages of encouragement for children in hospitals.

— Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

The next frontier of value will not be the fastest answer or the most personalized stimulus.

— Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026