CAJOLE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'cajole' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cajole are blandish , coax , soft-soap , and wheedle . While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," 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

Q: When might 'blandish' be a better fit than 'cajole'?

Although the words blandish and cajole have much in common, blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions. // legislators blandished with promises of support

Q: When is it sensible to use 'coax' instead of 'cajole'?

While the synonyms coax and cajole are close in meaning, coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect. // coaxed the cat out of the tree

Q: In what contexts can 'soft-soap' take the place of 'cajole'?

In some situations, the words soft-soap and cajole are roughly equivalent. However, soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain. // politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

Q: When is 'wheedle' a more appropriate choice than 'cajole'?

The words wheedle and cajole can be used in similar contexts, but 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

cajole

verb

kə-ˈjōl

Definition of cajole next

as in to coax

to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery cajoled her into doing his laundry for him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb cajole differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cajole are blandish, coax, soft-soap, and wheedle. While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," 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 might blandish be a better fit than cajole?

Although the words blandish and cajole have much in common, blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

When is it sensible to use coax instead of cajole?

While the synonyms coax and cajole are close in meaning, coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect.

coaxed the cat out of the tree

In what contexts can soft-soap take the place of cajole?

In some situations, the words soft-soap and cajole are roughly equivalent. However, soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

When is wheedle a more appropriate choice than cajole?

The words wheedle and cajole can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples 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 cajole Attempts to cajole or strong-arm them into picking a side in the latest might-makes-right contest in Ukraine are bound to fail, since no one in Africa believes that the international order is based on rules. —

Tim Murithi, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023 But Trump also defends the right of the president to cajole the Fed into lowering rates. —

William Pesek, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 In an episode planned for February, Morris — who starred opposite Wayans, Jr. on New Girl — will play Todd, a buddy from film school who tries to cajole Wayans, Jr’s character into coming back to the magical world of filmmaking. —

Lynette Rice, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2024 But Google campaigned hard for years, cajoling Apple into making this move as its own Android Messages app lost ever more ground to WhatsApp and other over-the-tops, while Apple seemingly brushed away any concerns, with its critical US user base continuing to iMessage between themselves. —

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cajole