Definitions

incentive

[in-sen-tiv] / ɪnˈsɛn tɪv /

NOUN

lure, inducement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encouragement enticement impetus motivation reason stimulus

STRONG

allurement bait carrot catalyst come on consideration determinant drive excuse exhortation goad ground impulse incitement influence insistence inspiration instigation motive persuasion provocation purpose rationale spring spur stimulant stimulation temptation urge whip

WEAK

reason why

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discouragement hindrance

STRONG

deterrent dislike prevention

WEAK

block turnoff

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

incentive incentives

It also creates an incentive for countries to comply with trade pacts that they earlier struck, she added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Laurie Styron, chief executive of CharityWatch, said there can be an incentive for Croom’s company to produce fewer or less-quality meals to have a higher profit margin.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026