incentivize

[in-sen-ti-vahyz] / ɪnˈsɛn tɪˌvaɪz /

VERB

incite to action or greater effort often with a reward

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encourage motivate

STRONG

boost excite stimulate

WEAK

actuate energize galvanize impel incite innervate inspire lead move propel rouse tap

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deter disincentivize

STRONG

discourage

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.

“The projects we incentivize have to fit this heartland, middle America approach to things,” says Tennessee deputy governor Stuart McWhorter.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

It was supposed to incentivize companies to consider the fate of their products and spur innovation in material redesign.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

But Gelsinger had fallen short in vital areas, Goldberg told MarketWatch, including failing to adequately cut costs and struggling to improve the overall company culture to incentivize employees.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

Prices are high enough to incentivize refiners in some unlikely places to send jet fuel to Europe.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

What kind of behavior did these tariff refunds incentivize?

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

Vocabulary lists containing incentivize

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