COAX Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

coax

verb

ˈkōks

Definition of coax next

as in to cajole

to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery trying to coax their father into taking them on a ski trip, the teens mentioned what a great skier he is

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 What began as a small corn mill and tortillería has since grown into a full dining room and taquería where the pair nixtamalize single-origin corn to coax out its full spectrum of unique flavors and textures. —

Anais Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026 The scammer build trust with their victims and then guide them to fake websites made to look like trading platforms, and coax them over time to invest more and more money. —

Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026 Houston coaxed a contested 3 out of Curry — which clanked, securing the Warriors’ 117-116 defeat at Chase Center, and a losing season for just the second time in Steve Kerr’s 12 years as the team’s coach. —

Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026 In a leafy New Jersey suburb, Baratta set out to coax Barley, a mix of pit bull, beagle and shepherd, into the afternoon air with a wind chill pushing the temperature down into the 20s. —

Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax

Verb

To cajole people into eating snacks laden with spicy gherkin flavor, the folks at Frito Lay need to get themselves out of a real pickle.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
And six years later, Donovan is still prodding and cajoling the forward to crash the boards and control his dribble and contribute physically to the game.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026