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 Across the galaxy, stars are born in immense clouds of gas and dust — stellar nurseries where gravity coaxes material to coalesce and ignite. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025 But, having been armed with an even stronger group — one with as much depth and quality as Forest have possessed in years — Nuno’s task is still to coax better performances out of those who will play under him. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025 Occasionally, a repeat guest can coax him into an earlier revival. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2025 After nearly a full minute of coaxing, the standoff ends. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
Verb
  • The sloganeering has cajoled some of the nation’s biggest food brands to shift its offerings, curb the use of some dyes, and even redo recipes of iconic goods like Coca-Cola and day-to-day items like baby formula.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • He’s cajoled and he’s threatened.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nepal The climbing capital of the world, Nepal has been luring mountaineers for decades, including up the busy South Col route to the summit of Mount Everest.
    Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • In April, Liverpool lured CFG’s director of football data Laurie Shaw to Anfield in what was regarded as a major coup within the industry.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The dramatic irony, of course, is that Julia did seduce Lovat and is now trying to take advantage of a precedent set by Davina with her own son, but Julia still ends up appealing to Davina’s better angels.
    Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Either way, the intention is to transport, and to seduce, as with fine music.
    Douglas Unger August 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • There are tons of enticing cold and hot drinks.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Responding to the demand, and hoping to entice younger shoppers into their financial ecosystems, payment facilitators such as Cash App, the BNPL provider Klarna, the fintech bank Chime, and even American Express have recently launched their own debit cards.
    Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After wheedling some cash from him, while Noon rifles through his backpack, Win convinces him to stay and teach some lessons.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
  • Eli Mintz, a Yiddish-theatre star, played Uncle David with a high, wheedling voice, his hands a blur of gesticulation, and the Goldberg children were portrayed by Gentile actors, including the endearing Arlene (Fuzzy) McQuade as the preteen Rosalie, a studious girl with a sleek bob.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • While the likes of McDonald’s and Subway have hardly vanished from terminals, concessions companies are increasingly wooing popular local eateries and celebrity chefs to bring their signature menu items to the traveling public.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The city recently sent a delegation to Vancouver to woo back travelers.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plaintiffs, including people who benefited from the legal protections, urged the appeals court to endorse the district court ruling, which found that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem could not categorically end protections for these groups, but instead had to evaluate each case individually.
    Michael Casey, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Ficco urged those who sports bet to use reputable online big platforms, do research about where people deposit their money and be cautious.
    Patricio Chile, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Each room and common area feels like a treasure box; there’s hardly an inch of space that doesn’t beg you to stop, snap a photo, and admire the artistic composition.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Academy is forcing me to beg political people to screen and select my film.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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