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>.