Definitions

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.

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

She was named board chair last fall and was awarded an additional bonus meant to incentivize her to stay in place for several years.

From Barron's • May 6, 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

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

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

The NBA is ready to change the rules that incentivize teams to lose to secure draft picks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Vocabulary lists containing incentivize

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet

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