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.

Education Department officials framed the new policy as a way to incentivize and reward borrowers who make regular on-time payments and to improve the overall health of the student-loan portfolio.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

The idea of guaranteeing future demand to incentivize innovation was borrowed from vaccine development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Indeed, the Iran war was a catalyst for the U.S. government to boost missile orders and incentivize higher production.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Parents can also incentivize their children to invest more.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 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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