Synonym Chooser

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

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 cajole Naomi is a textbook Jewish mother, nagging and cajoling and smothering her children with logorrheic abandon. Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025 But the Virgin Mary and the angels had cajoled him into granting humankind one last chance to repent. Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Butorac has spent much of the past year quizzing, cajoling and nudging those stars, ultimately devising a format geared to their needs. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 Reform will not come from within, so it must be cajoled from without. Ilya Shapiro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cajole
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cajole
coax
Verb
  • Steve gently coaxes him back to school, where the film crew is causing havoc.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • After ordering his security detail to cut the feed on all his cameras, Prater captures Harrison at gunpoint and coaxes Dexter to return to the wine room.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cajole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cajole. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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