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

Soon after Waldorf arrived at the Kansas hospital, she received misoprostol to induce labor and delivered around 1 p.m.

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

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

“Nonsense! and what sort of an effect will the bequest have on you? Will it keep you in England, induce you to marry Miss Oliver, and settle down like an ordinary mortal?”

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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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