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 Bikes will be more intuitively channeled, and speedier e-vehicles will be coaxed to an outer lane mostly reserved for work and emergency vehicles, the better to separate them from more leisurely visitors. Betsy Smith, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025 That comes with a general respect for the ingredient and a deeper understanding of how to coax out its flavor. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025 As the ball tracked toward the hole, play-by-play and color announcers Shane Bacon and Doug Smith coaxed it into the hole. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Last season, with Fudd and Aubrey Griffin out with injuries and a bench pared down to the bare minimum, Auriemma coaxed the Huskies back to the Final Four, where a last-second foul took away their chance to overcome Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
Verb
  • Mostly, though, Abe cajoled the Bank of Japan to ease aggressively as a means of weakening the yen and ending deflation.
    William Pesek, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Read more Kids Heartbroken Woman Orders Ice Cream, Shocked by Delivery Driver's Response Hearts melt at how mom manages to cajole stubborn toddler into house Cat and Her Kittens Saved From 15ft Sewer Pipe Thanks to Heroic Passerby Are Millennials Killing Tattoos?
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In years past, I’ve been lured in by the promise of free filing from commercial tax-prep software, only to find out that my situation doesn’t qualify.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Jamie Carragher spoke about how he was lured out of international retirement specifically to work with Capello, having grown up admiring the defensive quality of his old Milan side.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Instinct says to seduce with a decadent chocolate treat, but sadly, my Valentine for the past 20 years isn’t the biggest chocolate lover.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Raúl Castillo plays against type and makes for a menacing, unstoppable presence in a genre homage that’s yell-at-the-scream enjoyable and seduces with its terrific cinematography from Daniel Katz.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Numerous observers believe the Bay Area could begin to see an economic lift from the rush into artificial intelligence, a fledgling field that has enticed investors and fueled startup activity.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • And there are plenty of people out there to entice, given that the majority of Americans these days aren’t regular moviegoers.
    William Earl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And soon thereafter, the mirror image: Sparks switches from playing wheedling Jerry to playing upright Bram in a harrowing scene with Arnold.
    Jesse Green, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • To woo younger audiences, BBC News will expand its presence on TikTok and Instagram, and launch an initiative in schools to help students evaluate news legitimacy.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In large part, they are driven by recruiting struggles and the need to woo those from a changing universe of American young people, including those with less academic schooling or people from states where marijuana is legal.
    Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Don’t Stay In Environments That Don’t Support Gender Parity Dr. Thomas urges women to assess whether staying in toxic environments is worth the emotional toll.
    Gena Cox, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • If there is an emergency, the FBI urges people to call local law enforcement or 911 immediately.
    Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That included claims that Dorit's estranged husband, Paul Kemsley, had staged their 2021 home invasion in which Dorit begged for the safety of their children's lives as she was held at gunpoint.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But like my friend who only visits any place once for a peek, those sights may not beg a second visit.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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