1
as in to coax
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery
she cunningly soft-soaped her parents into letting her go on the trip
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2
as in to honey
to praise too much
shrewd voters who know when a politician is trying to soft-soap them
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as in butter
excessive praise
a salesman who knows the value of soft soap in making a sale
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-soap
Verb
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Imanaga recovered a bit after the leadoff home run, but the Cardinals lineup coaxed long at-bats and drove up his pitch count, chasing the left-hander from the game after 4 2/3 innings.
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With such flexibility, this kind of synthetic cell could eventually be coaxed to create new materials, such as biofuels and drugs, and help researchers study disease.
Verb
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Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
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Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.
Noun
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Watch an encounter full of sweet talk, gaslighting and tension here.
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Don’t fall for compliments that don’t feel genuine, and don’t be afraid to confront whatever’s beneath someone’s sweet talk.
Verb
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Begin by massaging skin with a hydrating moisturizer and primer.
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Deirdre massaged my limbs while the cups went to work on my perpetually achy upper back.
Noun
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His celebratory words marking its 250th anniversary included not only the traditional paeans to the Founders but also a dose of personal grievance, plus soaring praise for his own achievements.
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This comes as the ex-Apprentice host on July 3 tossed some praise Clinton’s way in a book reading event with Second Lady Usha Vance on the latter’s podcast.
Verb
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Miss Manners commends it as better than the usual aggressive-aggressive behavior — and more effective.
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Donning a loud orange and curly wig, Tel commended KC for its hospitality as a host city.
Noun
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The real danger is not the flattery itself.
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Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and that's exactly why beautiful paint colors are subject to overuse.
Verb
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The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.
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As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
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Cite this Entry
“Soft-soap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-soap. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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