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

But some of the changes could also incentivize banks to lend still more money to nonbank lenders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

A lower priced model could help incentivize customers to upgrade their phones in an economic environment that might otherwise lead them to delay getting a new device.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 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

Related Words

• encourage
• motivate