Meaning & use
impetus
A force or influence that causes something to happen or progress more quickly.
See it in a sentence
The scandal provided the impetus for long-overdue reforms in the agency.
Rising fuel prices gave impetus to the search for alternative energy sources.
A note on using this word
Usually paired with 'give' or 'provide,' as in 'give impetus to,' to describe what triggers renewed momentum.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
deterrent
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “impetus”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.