inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈdüs-mənt 

-ˈdyüs-

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

• conversion
• convincing
• inducing
• persuading
• persuasion
• suasion

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

In June of this year, lawyers for Frankie’s Story — the name of Pharma’s production entity — presented Angel Studios with a notice to terminate their distribution agreement for Pharma based on fraudulent inducement, according to redacted documents reviewed by THR. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2023

The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits companies from giving doctors inducements to use their products in surgeries covered by government insurers. —Jonathan Saltzman, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Mar. 2023

The new Moon of the 17th is an inducement to make some important changes in your life—especially professionally. —Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 16 July 2023

Working with the prominent conservative lawyer Ken Starr, school officials crafted a guest list for a dinner at a wealthy Texas businessman’s home, hoping an audience with Thomas would be a reward for school patrons — and an inducement to prospective donors. —Brian Slodysko and Eric Tucker, BostonGlobe.com, 11 July 2023

Working with the prominent conservative lawyer Ken Starr, school officials crafted a guest list for a dinner at the home of a wealthy Texas businessman, hoping an audience with Thomas would be a reward for school patrons -– and an inducement to prospective donors. —Time, 11 July 2023

Couple alleges fraudulent inducement The Hagles sue Rush in Orange County, Florida circuit court, alleging fraudulent inducement and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 22 June 2023

The fact that a customer-first strategy enabled firms to create value for all their stakeholders was a further inducement to begin strategic thinking first and foremost with the customer. —Steve Denning, Forbes, 3 May 2023

Even with these inducements, Ukraine might still refuse the call for a cease-fire. —Richard Haass and Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈd(y)ü-smənt 

1

: the act of inducing

2

: something that induces

a money-back guarantee is an inducement to buy

Legal Definition

inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈdüs-mənt, -ˈdyüs- 

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