inducement

noun

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in·duce·ment | \ in-ˈdüs-mənt

, -ˈdyüs- \

Definition of inducement

1 : a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions

2 : the act or process of inducing

3 : matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause, plea, or defense

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More About inducement

Choose the Right Synonym for inducement

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act. a motive for the crime impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution. buying on impulse incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action. a bonus was offered as an incentive inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another. offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor. fear was a spur to action goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire. thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of inducement in a Sentence

Was his decision influenced by any illegal financial inducements? Employees were offered a bonus as an inducement to finish the project on schedule. The low interest rate was little inducement for individuals to save money.

Recent Examples on the Web International trade is a potent force for prosperity; America should wield it as an inducement to draw nations toward our values, while recognizing that our national security takes precedence over commercial interests. — Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022 In the last days before name, image and likeness was approved by NCAA rules, did a guy like Zion Williamson really choose to play at Duke without some kind of improper inducement behind the scenes? — Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2022 In the earliest convents, monastic orders painted fortresslike walls in somber grisaille, often filling the chapels where Indigenous initiates gathered for Mass with brutal images of the Last Judgment, a violent inducement to conversion. — New York Times, 11 Feb. 2022 Working with the world’s best coaches was a major inducement. — Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2022 The essential unknowability of other people haunts all of Calle’s work, as both the greatest inducement to curiosity and the greatest threat to creativity. — Lili Owen Rowlands, The New Yorker, 17 Nov. 2021 Coursera is blurring the lines between itself and institutions with an inducement that is hard to ignore. — Arthur Levine, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2021 Downing wondered whether the possibility of players landing NIL deals could itself be an inducement to play in particular tournaments. — Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 7 Oct. 2021 Conceived as an inducement to moderation, bipartisanship sits on the cusp of delivering a final victory to the ideologues of the right. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 20 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inducement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near inducement

induced reaction

inducement

inducer

Statistics for inducement

Last Updated

16 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Inducement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inducement. Accessed 19 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for inducement

inducement

noun

in·duce·ment | \ in-ˈdüs-mənt

, -ˈdyüs- \

Kids Definition of inducement

: something that causes someone to do something Employees were offered inducements to retire early.

inducement

noun

in·duce·ment | \ in-ˈdüs-mənt, -ˈdyüs-

Legal Definition of inducement

1 : factual matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause (as of slander or libel) — compare innuendo

2 : a significant offer or act that promises or encourages the inducements amounted to entrapment