as in encouragements
something that arouses action or activity
the handsome reward for the missing dog was an incentive for me to start looking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 incentives
The abundant risks and perverse incentives of the sharenting industry have, in recent years, inspired some well-meaning legislation.
—
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The core problem, attorney fee incentives, was left untouched.
—Tom Manzo, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
In a bid to survive, theaters lowered ticket prices, introduced incentives like giveaways of dinnerware and began to sell concessions, which people previously bought from vendors or nearby sweet shops, Melnick said.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, with the loss of the federal incentives, the steady rise of gasoline prices — which, in Connecticut, hit over $4 per gallon this week — may be pushing consumers towards electric vehicles.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Increasingly, taxpayer advocates are taking a hard look at city policies that offer developers hefty tax incentives, or, conversely, reduce the value of existing properties, disincentivizing private-sector investment in the city.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The platforms are too large, and the incentives are too deeply wired toward sensationalism.
—Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
This potential exposure of confidential information comes amid a rapid hiring surge at CBP, with up to $60,000 in recruitment and retention incentives available to some new agents.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2026
Some have looked to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s development arm for incentives.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
The core problem, attorney fee incentives, was left untouched.
—Tom Manzo, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
In a bid to survive, theaters lowered ticket prices, introduced incentives like giveaways of dinnerware and began to sell concessions, which people previously bought from vendors or nearby sweet shops, Melnick said.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
In the meantime, with the loss of the federal incentives, the steady rise of gasoline prices — which, in Connecticut, hit over $4 per gallon this week — may be pushing consumers towards electric vehicles.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026
Increasingly, taxpayer advocates are taking a hard look at city policies that offer developers hefty tax incentives, or, conversely, reduce the value of existing properties, disincentivizing private-sector investment in the city.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2026
The platforms are too large, and the incentives are too deeply wired toward sensationalism.
—Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
This potential exposure of confidential information comes amid a rapid hiring surge at CBP, with up to $60,000 in recruitment and retention incentives available to some new agents.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2026
Some have looked to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s development arm for incentives.
—Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incentives
Noun
-
All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
February 19 – March 20 Your motivations are extra powerful at the moment.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
-
What were the hostage takers’ motivations?—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To check whether progesterone was the trigger, the researchers removed the female from the barrier tank and replaced her with conical plastic tubes coated with various chemical stimuli, sliding them into the small holes of the wall divider.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These materials can change shape in response to external stimuli such as heat or electricity, offering more efficient and compact actuation.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incentives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incentives. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
