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.

These include addressing delays of almost eight days to induce labour, which put mothers and babies at increased risk.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Activist short sellers release reports on companies that they say are overvalued or hiding information from shareholders, then cash in on the selloffs their ideas sometimes induce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

But after confirming that her fetus still had heart tones, the OB-GYN on duty, Dr. Britte Smith, said she couldn’t induce yet.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

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

He built a little house for his mutt and tried to induce compliments.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Vocabulary lists containing induce

Lead the Way: Duc and Duct

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!