Main Entry:

ca·jole

Pronunciation:

\kə-ˈjōl\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

ca·joled; ca·jol·ing

Etymology:

French cajoler

Date:

1630

1 a: to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : coax <had to cajole them into going> b: to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion <cajoled money from his parents>2: to deceive with soothing words or false promises

— ca·jole·ment \-ˈjōl-mənt\ noun

— ca·jol·er noun

— ca·jol·ery \-ˈjō-lə-rē\ noun

synonyms cajole, coax, soft-soap, blandish, wheedle 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>. coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect <coaxed the cat out of the tree>. soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain <politicians soft-soaping eligible voters>. blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions <legislators blandished with promises of support>. 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>.