inducement

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 The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Apr. 2026 Lin and an affiliated company list their causes of action as fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract. Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Mar. 2026 The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 24 Mar. 2026 The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inducement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inducement
Noun
  • Wieffer, like Veltman, a former Dutch international, has made an effective conversion to the role under Hurzeler since the later stages of last season after he was signed in the summer of 2024 as a defensive midfielder.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • In March, Kaufman pleaded no contest to one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, two counts of embezzlement by an agent $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, five counts of embezzlement by an agent $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, and 31 counts of conversion of funeral contracts.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • That’s why all of my colleagues on the city council support my campaign for Senate, regardless of their political persuasion.
    Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 8 May 2026
  • And a socially responsible advertising profession is not all about persuasion and instead respects the rights, intelligence, and well-being of consumers and considers society as a whole when raising awareness about the benefits of the client’s products or services.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • The 70-year-old was explaining how the revival came about through years-long persuading of Emmy-winning creator and executive producer Linwood Boomer.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Each distortion is what happens when the body does the persuading, and the ideas are just the wardrobe.
    Alexis Coe, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inducement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inducement. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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