Incentive

n.hopeful, energeticprofessional

What it means

Something that encourages a person or organization to act.

Reach for it when naming an external reason that changes the appeal of a choice

Free training gave small workshops an incentive to adopt safer equipment.

playful
carrot
informal contrast with punishment is useful
not when Carrot can sound cynical and reduce complex motivation to a crude transaction.
everyday
motivation
the reason may be internal, personal, or external
not when Motivation describes a state of wanting, while an incentive is the offered cause.
everyday
reason
neutral explanation is safer than assuming behavior was bought
not when A reason can explain behavior without making the person more willing to act.
everyday
reward
a benefit follows successful action
not when A reward comes afterward, while an incentive works through expectation.
warm
encouragement
support or reassurance makes action feel possible
not when Encouragement need not carry a material or measurable benefit.
professional
stimulus
a policy or input is intended to increase activity
not when Stimulus is impersonal and often applies to whole markets rather than one choice.
formal
inducement
a benefit is deliberately offered to secure action
not when Inducement can imply manipulation or payment for improper conduct.

financial incentive
A financial incentive helped owners repair unsafe balconies before winter.
strong incentive
Reliable bus service creates a strong incentive to leave the car at home.
offer an incentive
The cooperative will offer an incentive for returning reusable containers.
tax incentive
A temporary tax incentive supported repairs to occupied historic homes.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.