Synonyms of blandish

blandish

verb

ˈblan-dish 

as in to coax

to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery

blandished her into doing their work for them by complimenting her shamelessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• coax
• wheedle
• cajole
• seduce
• lure
• soft-soap
• woo
• entice
• palaver
• sweet-talk
• beg
• urge
• flatter
• overpraise
• tempt
• blarney
• charm
• beseech
• importune
• massage
• adulate
• butter up
• wangle
• cozen
• wile
• juggle
• beguile
• finagle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tease
• harass
• bug
• cow
• intimidate
• nag
• pester
• bully
• compel
• require
• force
• make
• coerce
• demand
• browbeat
• constrain
• oblige
• bulldoze

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb blandish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blandish are cajole, coax, soft-soap, and wheedle. While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

When can cajole be used instead of blandish?

The words cajole and blandish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can coax take the place of blandish?

The synonyms coax and blandish are sometimes interchangeable, but coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect.

coaxed the cat out of the tree

When could soft-soap be used to replace blandish?

The words soft-soap and blandish can be used in similar contexts, but soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

When might wheedle be a better fit than blandish?

While the synonyms wheedle and blandish are close in meaning, 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

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