motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.
a motive for the crime
impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.
buying on impulse
incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.
a bonus was offered as an incentive
inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.
offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe
spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
fear was a spur to action
goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.
thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency
Example Sentences
The rising cost of electricity provides a strong incentive to conserve energy. The government offers special tax incentives for entrepreneurs. The company is offering a special low price as an added incentive for new customers.
Recent Examples on the WebThe declines were due in part to a reduction in non-equity incentive plan compensation for both Murdochs, which went to $6.3 million, down from $10.5 million in the prior year. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2022 Officials in Morrow County own Amazon’s local fiber provider, which critics say creates a conflict between the officials’ public role to negotiate the best deal for the community and a private incentive to encourage the company’s further expansion.oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2022 The airline’s expansion comes with a $1.3 million economic development incentive from the state. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2022 What stock option or equity incentive plan does the company have? Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 14 Aug. 2022 Last year, California approved a $150 million incentive plan to encourage construction of new soundstage facilities in the state. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 14 June 2022 The company is building a $12 billion chip factory in Arizona and expects to receive support from a $50 billion chip-manufacturing incentive plan that Congress is weighing. Keith Zhai, WSJ, 19 May 2022 Stearns said Hartford HealthCare eventually extended the incentive to housekeepers in April, nearly two months later. Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 4 Sep. 2022 For years, the airport has urged local travelers to fly out of their home airport with the incentive of possible lower fares and more connections in the future. Paul Gattis | Pgattis@al.com, al, 2 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of incentivus stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere to play (a tune), from in- + canere to sing — more at chant