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.

Washington should incentivize investment in drought resilience, water systems, animal-health defense and regional processing capacity.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

Parents can also incentivize their children to invest more.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

To incentivize execution on key initiatives, the company has granted the founder two batches of performance-based restricted shares so far in 2026.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“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

Tran would work to expand programs, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, to incentivize developers to build more affordable units, and to provide direct mortgage relief and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Vocabulary lists containing incentivize

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