incentive

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun incentive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of incentive are goad, impulse, inducement, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would goad be a good substitute for incentive?

The synonyms goad and incentive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace incentive?

While in some cases nearly identical to incentive, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When can inducement be used instead of incentive?

The meanings of inducement and incentive largely overlap; however, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might motive be a better fit than incentive?

The words motive and incentive can be used in similar contexts, but motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When is it sensible to use spur instead of incentive?

While the synonyms spur and incentive are close in meaning, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 incentive Will Brazil eventually have a sustainable production sector that do not need government incentives? Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025 In fact, if the ongoing reign of multiplayer shooter Marvel Rivals is any indication, the comic book character wrapping might just be the incentive needed to get otherwise bookish gamers fully committed to the bloodsport. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025 Zero Industrial identifies markets which offer such energy arbitrage opportunities by analyzing inputs such as facility locations, electricity pricing, available incentives, substation capacities and nearby process heat users that could benefit from TES. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 With the right incentives, the United States can turn an energy crunch into a competitive advantage. Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incentive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentive
Noun
  • Almost exactly a year ago, Glasnow’s absence provided the impetus for Roberts’ rallying cry that carried the Dodgers to October.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That was the impetus to reimagine that story.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • How Resources Strengthen Innovation Across Teams Ideas need encouragement and resources.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Fearing immigration consequences, the woman delayed reporting the attack but eventually came forward with a family member’s encouragement.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The primary question is the motivation of the government, First Amendment experts told The Republic.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • All four players won the Tewaaraton Award for the most outstanding player in college lacrosse, and the quartet was a primary motivation for Law to return to the team in ’25.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The hope was that a quick jolt of stimulus (delivered without haste) could stir an economic recovery.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The factory is a throwback to a pre-Rust Belt America, providing ~200 jobs, endless pride, and a stimulus that benefits the rest of the local economy.
    Katherine Laidlaw, HubSpot, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incentive. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incentive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!