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

Relevance

Synonym Chooser

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 House settlement authorizes the CSC to review NIL deals for evidence of possible recruiting inducements and similar forms of compensation used to sway where athletes decide to play. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2026 As an inducement to get votes from conservative rural congressional members, the OBBBA included a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, but this is substantially less money than the Medicaid cuts will total across rural America. — Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026 The program was renamed cap-and-invest and refiners were given free emission rights as an inducement to remain in the state. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 China actively targets Tibetan lamas in exile with inducements. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inducement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inducement
Noun
  • Prior to Monday night’s game between the Bills and Rams, the Bucs ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense, second against the run, tied for eighth in third-down conversion percentage and seventh in interception percentage.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Among the 138 teams in FBS, TCU’s offense ranks 93rd in third down conversions, 110th in rushing, and tied for 103rd in first downs.
    — Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For generations, Americans of every political persuasion have chosen to safeguard extraordinary places for everyone who would come after them.
    — Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Much of the public conversation has focused on persuasion, and this number suggests that isn’t where the biggest gap is.
    — Christina Sass, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In reality, Blanding says, her sister didn’t need much persuading.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Goode needed no persuading about the beauty of animals like New Caledonian geckos, African bush vipers, Caribbean rock iguanas, and similar Cyclura.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inducement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inducement. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster