Search Dictionary
Definition of incent

incent

/ɪnˈsɛnt/
in · cent
Adjective:incentive
•
Past Simple:incented
•
Past Participle:incented
•
Present Participle:incenting
JUMP TO:

incent Lexical Profile

incent Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

North American To provide with an incentive; to motivate or encourage to take a specific action (chiefly in business and corporate contexts).

Example

"The new commission structure is designed to incent the sales team to close long-term contracts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for incent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for incent

Word Nuance & Usage

"Incent" is primarily used as corporate jargon and is often criticized by style guides in favor of "motivate" or "encourage." In standard business writing, "incentivize" is much more widely accepted.

• Rhymes for incent

• Nearby Words

incense
incense cedar
incensed
incent
incentive
incentivize
inception

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as a back-formation from "incentive," which ultimately derives from the Latin "incentivum" (something that sets the tune or incites), from "incinere" (to strike up or sound an instrument).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.