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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Because of this, Becerra is also facing a misdemeanor count of attempting to induce false testimony.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Ministers walk a tightrope of preparing for various scenarios, updating us on what they are doing or willing to do and hoping they don't induce any sense of panic or alarm.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

“Improving affordability conditions have yet to induce more buying activity,” the trade group’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

“The effect,” he wrote, “will be to induce people more and more to bring their food with them, and more and more to scatter papers and offal on the ground.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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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