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.

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

Some argue a headlong commercial race will inevitably incentivize companies to cut corners on safety.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 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

“Firm compensation structures incentivize potentially good advisers to lead clients into bad structures,” said Noah Damsky, a Los Angeles-based chartered financial analyst.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

We’re talking about the sort of behaviors that the tariffs incentivized in people or didn’t incentivize.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

Vocabulary lists containing incentivize

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