inducement

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 She was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors, inducement of minors with liquor and giving false reports to law enforcement. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 The filing also details various financial activities, including a public offering in February 2024 that raised net proceeds of $5.4 million and a warrant inducement that provided net cash proceeds of $3.5 million. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Fraudulent misrepresentation and fraudulent inducement are also alleged in the complaint. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Dec. 2024 This time, the hot-stove sweepstakes come with a twist: Thanks to a recent court ruling, NIL deals can be used as recruiting inducements. Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 29 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for inducement

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Cite this Entry

“Inducement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inducement. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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