incentive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "incentive crossword clue" and need a quick boost, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, carefully categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "incentive crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SPUR: A thing that prompts or encourages someone; an incentive.
5 Letters
DRIVE: A strong desire or urge; also, to propel or motivate.
BONUS: A sum of money added to salary or wages as a reward for good performance.
6 Letters
MOTIVE: A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.
REWARD: A thing given in recognition of one's service, effort, or achievement.
7 Letters
PREMIUM: A sum added to an ordinary price or charge.
IMPETUS: The force or energy with which a body moves or is impelled; a driving force.
8 Letters
STIMULUS: A thing that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; a spur or incentive.
9 Letters
PROMOTION: The action of promoting or being promoted, typically to a higher rank or position.
More About "incentive crossword clue"
The term 'incentive' is a popular and versatile clue in crosswords, often appearing in various forms depending on the puzzle's difficulty and theme. It broadly refers to anything that encourages or motivates a person to do something. This can range from a tangible reward, like a financial bonus, to an intangible drive, such as the hope of achieving a goal.
When you encounter 'incentive' in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a business-themed crossword? Then answers like BONUS, PREMIUM, or PROMOTION might be strong contenders. If the puzzle leans more towards psychology or general human behavior, MOTIVE, IMPETUS, or DRIVE could be more appropriate. The beauty of 'incentive' as a clue lies in its multiple facets, offering a rich pool of synonyms for setters to choose from.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to mastering such clues. An 'incentive' is fundamentally about encouragement, whether it's a 'spur' to action, a 'stimulus' for growth, or a 'reward' for effort. By thinking broadly about what motivates people, you can often unlock the correct answer even when the more obvious synonyms don't fit the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This is your most critical filter. For 'incentive', knowing if it's a 4-letter or an 8-letter word immediately narrows down possibilities like SPUR vs. STIMULUS.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all possible meanings of 'incentive' and its synonyms. Does the clue suggest a positive motivation (reward, bonus) or just a general driving force (motive, impetus)?
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters are invaluable for confirming or ruling out potential solutions.
- Think about Phrases: Sometimes 'incentive' might be part of a larger phrase clue, or the answer itself could be a less common, but valid, synonym. Always keep an open mind!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'incentive' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'incentive' typically refers to something that encourages or motivates action. Common answers might include synonyms like 'spur,' 'motive,' 'reward,' 'bonus,' or 'stimulus,' depending on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How can I find synonyms for 'incentive' in crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'incentive,' consider words that imply motivation, encouragement, or a positive consequence. Think about different contexts where incentives apply, such as business ('bonus,' 'premium') or personal drive ('motive,' 'impetus'). Checking the letter count is crucial, as is considering the clue's tone (e.g., positive vs. neutral).
Are 'incentive' clues often related to business or psychology?
Yes, 'incentive' clues frequently draw from both business/economics and psychology. In a business context, it might refer to financial rewards or perks. Psychologically, it relates to the internal or external factors that drive behavior. Being aware of these different domains can help you narrow down potential answers quickly.