Definition of coaxnext

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 The presence of Son on LAFC’s roster could coax additional Korean corporates into the fold, creating a more competitive bidding process. Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 2 Apr. 2026 In another sign that the new Dell XPS 14 has some battery magic going on, HardwareCanucks coaxed over 40 hours of battery life from a single charge by focusing on light web browsing. Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026 Riley Greene followed with a two-out double, but Loáisiga coaxed a soft comebacker from Dillon Dingler and flipped to first for the final out. CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 But the true spring ephemerals are native plants that arise in woodlands before leaves open, allowing sunlight to coax them into bloom. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
Verb
  • To cajole people into eating snacks laden with spicy gherkin flavor, the folks at Frito Lay need to get themselves out of a real pickle.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
  • And six years later, Donovan is still prodding and cajoling the forward to crash the boards and control his dribble and contribute physically to the game.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The cab’s dark interior seems to lure Rauschenberg in, but perhaps he was also drawn to the small round window, like a porthole, above the seat, which looks out at the distance behind the carriage.
    Hilton Als, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Wildlife officials attempted to lure the bear out using bait, lights and noise, but the animal continued returning to the space.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Intrigued, the Duke secretly seduces Gilda, breaks her heart and destroys Rigoletto’s life.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Tommy disburses stuffings and sauces to hungry locals as the GIs seduced their grandmothers with Camels and nylon stockings.
    Dominic Green, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The synopsis, just like the film's title, fails to prepare viewers for the level of chaos the film brings, which Matarazzo says enticed him.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Chef Albert was a restaurateur trying to wheedle a good review out of a tough restaurant critic.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • In a bid to rekindle the couple’s honeymoon phase, Yasmin troubleshoots by wheedling a chief executive role for him at payment processing company Tender (run by Max Minghella‘s inscrutable puppet-master Whitney Halberstram), and throwing her husband a lavish costume party for his 40th birthday.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That could spell a long summer of road trips to woo conservative holdovers stranded at the lower entryway to the north state.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
  • That was a concession the Ellisons made to woo WBD away from its previous merger partner, Netflix.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a statement, the Stop Aurora Pit Bull Ban Team, a group that advocated for repealing the city's breed-specific ban, urged caution in drawing conclusions about the incident.
    Tori Mason, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Millions of citizens across Europe have been urged to work from home and drive less amid the energy crisis caused by the Iran war.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Coors Field has made Hall of Famers feign injuries, rookies beg for mercy, and used Lorenzen for dental floss after the Phillies devoured, in order, his curve, slider, cutter, changeup and sinker.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The owner then revealed three bearded dragons with various injuries and begged her to take them.
    Julian Camejo, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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