What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incentive
Example
The company offered a bonus as an incentive for employees to meet their sales targets. [incentive: noun]
Example
The promise of a promotion was an incentive for him to work harder. [incentive: noun]
stimulus
Example
The loud noise was a stimulus that caused the baby to cry. [stimulus: noun]
Example
The economic stimulus package was designed to boost the economy. [stimulus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incentive is more commonly used than stimulus in everyday language, particularly in business or economic contexts. Stimulus is more commonly used in scientific or academic contexts, such as psychology or biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incentive and stimulus?
Incentive is often associated with a formal or professional tone, while stimulus is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
