incentivize

American  

[in-sen-ti-vahyz] / ɪnˈsɛn tɪˌvaɪz /

Also incent

verb (used with object)

incentivized, incentivizing

1. to give incentives to.

   The government should incentivize the private sector to create jobs.

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incentivize British  

/ ɪnˈsɛntɪˌvaɪz /

verb

1. (tr)

   1. to provide (someone) with a good reason for wanting to do something

      why not incentivize companies to relocate?

   2. to promote (something) with a particular incentive

      an incentivized share option scheme

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Etymology

Origin of incentivize

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Now consider an economic approach with a menu designed to incentivize firms to self-identify.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

But as prices for other laptops rise and the cost of living stays high, Apple might incentivize more shoppers through the introduction of this product than it would have before.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The point of optimism here is that women who have made the commitment to love themselves are providing the societal structure needed to incentivize men to do the same.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Lower rates typically incentivize investors to shift money from cash and bonds into the stock market, with the hope of higher returns.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 31, 2026

Musk is turning his attention to expanding Tesla’s AI capabilities, but the company still has to compete in an increasingly crowded EV market with an aging vehicle lineup and fewer government subsidies to incentivize buyers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Related Words

• encourage
• motivate