incentivize

verb

in·​cen·​tiv·​ize in-ˈsen-tə-ˌvīz How to pronounce incentivize (audio)
incentivized; incentivizing

transitive verb

: to provide with an incentive
would incentivize employees with stock options

Examples of incentivize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the east Texas oilfield was discovered in the interwar years, gasoline prices fell sharply, incentivizing bigger engines and vehicles, while encouraging longer journeys. — Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026 Unlike many other businesses, John's prioritizes good wages to incentivize staff to stay for the long haul. — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Both feature rewards, notifications, constant updates and personalized offers intended to keep users engaged and incentivize them to return. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Consider merchandising teams incentivized to reduce unit cost. — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incentivize

Word History

Etymology

incentive + -ize

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incentivize was in 1960

Rhymes for incentivize

See All Rhymes for incentivize

Browse Nearby Words

incentivization
incentivize
incept
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incentivize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incentivize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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