Synonym Chooser

How does the verb coax differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of coax are blandish, cajole, soft-soap, and wheedle. While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect.

coaxed the cat out of the tree

When could blandish be used to replace coax?

The meanings of blandish and coax largely overlap; however, blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

Where would cajole be a reasonable alternative to coax?

In some situations, the words cajole and coax are roughly equivalent. However, cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections.

cajoled him into cheating on the final exam

When is it sensible to use soft-soap instead of coax?

Although the words soft-soap and coax have much in common, soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

In what contexts can wheedle take the place of coax?

The words wheedle and coax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading.

hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her

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 coax Matty’s assignment is to coax some useful intel from the residents by relating to them, oldster to oldster. Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2025 The bottom line: Magna continues to be one of Portland's most exciting places to eat — serving up comfort while coaxing diners to stay a little longer and try a little more thanks to its relaxed, catering atmosphere. Meira Gebel, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025 The claim: Video shows man saving bunny during 2025 Los Angeles fires A Jan. 8 Instagram video (direct link, archive link) shows a man standing on the side of a road and coaxing a rabbit away from a large fire before picking it up and walking away. Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 Attempts to coax the animal down with warm milk even failed. Rev. Bill Kerr, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
Verb
  • Who will try to cajole Springsteen one day and bully NBC executives the next while managing the fragile egos of comedians and taking the ultimate measure of whether SNL is funny or not?
    Reeves Wiedeman, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
  • However for Highland Park this path was started in part back in 2008, when Motion chose ten casks to take to the next level, to nurture and cajole into their fifties.
    Mark Littler, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Epstein, a billionaire, had legitimate business and social meetings on the island that were unrelated to his attempts to lure underage girls.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • They were formally indicted last year, accused of being part of a criminal organization that exploited women after luring them to Romania.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Cruz, 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2009) Woody Allen's romantic comedy stars Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson as friends who travel to Spain and are seduced by a local painter (Javier Bardem).
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Cookbook authors suggested preparing French food at home to seduce a lover.
    Rachel Hope Cleves / Made by History, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trying to keep up with breakneck advances in medical technology and the demands of a public troubled by additives like food dyes, the agency enticed scores of midcareer specialists with remote roles and the chance to make a difference in their fields.
    Christina Jewett, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The Libra moon entices you to entertain fresh options.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Then Fleischmann, after attending a particularly high-spirited wedding, regained his confidence and wheedled an additional investment from his family.
    David Remnick, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Fall sustains many tonal expectations of the road-trip comedy and the coming-of-age tale, to startling effect, as Doe and Muna lie, steal, and wheedle their way through Turkey to reach the border.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That traction with affluent shoppers has gained momentum for more than two years, as Walmart wooed inflation-weary customers and appealed to newer or less frequent shoppers by expanding its assortment of brands online, remodeling stores and offering faster e-commerce options.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Perhaps Indecent Proposal presents the perfect path for how America can successfully woo and ultimately merge with Greenland, starting with an indecent and unwanted proposal, just the way Robert Redford’s handsomely devilish Gage does.
    Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the continued fight for racial justice and amid reinvigorated efforts to erase Black contributions to American history, Wells would urge activists to be steadfast in speaking truth into the world and advocating relentlessly for a more racially just America.
    Amy Gais / Made by History, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In a potential landmark action, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency has privately urged the Trump administration to reconsider a scientific finding that has long been the central basis for U.S. action against climate change.
    MATTHEW DALY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The hauntingly familiar sight of a crash like this once again begs questions about the safety of these next-gen cars.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Some ship only overnight and beg you to eat their bonbons within a few days of receipt.
    Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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