incentive
noun
in·cen·tive
in-ˈsen-tiv 
: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
incentive
adjective
Synonyms
Examples of incentive in a Sentence
The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy.
The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs.
The company is offering a special low price as an added incentive for new customers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the ideas President Biden’s administration is pursuing: a $10,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, a $20-billion competitive grant fund to boost housing stocks, and local incentives to relax zoning restrictions so homes can be built more quickly.
—
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
The threat of a special session provides lawmakers an extra incentive to find a deal acceptable to Kelly.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incentive 
Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
The threat of a special session provides lawmakers an extra incentive to find a deal acceptable to Kelly.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incentive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incentive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incentive
Cite this Entry
“Incentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentive. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incentive
noun
in·cen·tive
in-ˈsent-iv
: something that makes a person try or work hard or harder
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