Definition of inducementnext
as in convincing
the act of reasoning or pleading with someone to accept a belief or course of action gave up smoking only after a prolonged inducement by all the other family members

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun inducement contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inducement are goad, impulse, incentive, motive, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When could goad be used to replace inducement?

While in some cases nearly identical to inducement, goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When can impulse be used instead of inducement?

The words impulse and inducement can be used in similar contexts, but impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When is incentive a more appropriate choice than inducement?

The meanings of incentive and inducement largely overlap; however, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When would motive be a good substitute for inducement?

The words motive and inducement are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

When might spur be a better fit than inducement?

In some situations, the words spur and inducement are roughly equivalent. However, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inducement Michigan’s burgeoning data-center industry has given Whitmer more opportunities to offer financial inducements to some of the richest companies in the world. Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 Crucially, the military should balance these financials with attractive inducements such as robust family health care coverage, prescription drug cost reductions, and partial pension possibilities for those who provide vital service short of a full 20-year career. Robert Krasner, STAT, 1 June 2026 Stops tampering, associations may prohibit inducements. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 Beijing remained unwilling to pressure its de facto ally, Russia, in support of European security priorities, despite Macron’s inducements. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inducement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inducement
Noun
  • The makeover of the Taco Heads building — actually two old houses connected by a patio — is as impressive as the Teddy Wong’s conversion from a 7-Eleven.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
  • Since then, three more Manhattan office conversion projects have been ordered to partially pause or halt construction this month over issues ranging from missing paperwork to cracks in concrete beams.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Plan creative variations for persuasion targets, turnout audiences and different demographic groups so targeting is paired with relevant messaging.
    Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • VisionSpring relied on persuasion and pilot schemes and built a hyper-efficient 15-minute screening protocol to keep production lines moving.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Bisegna, who is 17 and more soft-spoken, took a little persuading.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 July 2026
  • And social media is presumably where AI will do much of its persuading.
    Robert Wright, Fortune, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inducement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inducement. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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