induce

[in-doos, -dyoos] / ɪnˈdus, -ˈdyus /

VERB

cause to happen; encourage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

activate breed bring about cause coax convince engender generate lead to motivate persuade produce promote prompt urge

STRONG

abet actuate bulldoze cajole draw effect get goose impel incite influence instigate make move occasion press procure soft-soap squeeze steamroll sway sweet-talk wheedle

WEAK

argue into bring around draw in get up give rise to prevail upon sell one on set in motion suck in talk into twist one's arm win over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

destroy discourage dissuade halt kill prevent stop

STRONG

delay deter fail impede leave alone lose repel stay

WEAK

hinder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Misoprostol was initially approved by the FDA for stomach ulcers and is routinely prescribed off-label to induce labor, treat postpartum hemorrhage, and prepare the cervix for IUD insertion.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

As supplies tighten, prices will rise “in a non-linear fashion” until prices are eventually high enough to induce demand destruction, said Young.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

“It speaks to his greatness,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, and, yeah, somebody must be great if they can induce grown men to imitate farm animals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

The goal was to induce a mild case that would provide lifelong immunity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Nothing would induce her to drag that festering memory into this beautiful mind.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Vocabulary lists containing induce

Lead the Way: Duc and Duct

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This Week in Words: Feb. 25 - Mar. 2, 2018

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Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1933), List 1

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