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.
The company is explicitly incentivized to lobby its peers, Google and TikTok, to do the same. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 While this is a clear indication of the appetite for fashion among different body shapes, this alone does not incentivize his stance. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 This could lead some developers to consider alternatives, such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which uses immigration to incentivize investment. — Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 WeWard, launched in 2019, allows users to convert their steps into a variety of rewards, like cash or charity donations, incentivizing over 30 million people to walk an average of 25% more after installing the app. — Erica Zazo, Time, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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