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

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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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 Pro-Russian groups are bombarding popular AI systems with propaganda to coax chatbots into regurgitating Kremlin talking points, according to senior European officials, raising concerns ahead of America’s midterm elections about how to respond to the growing attempt to silently manipulate voters. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 26 June 2026 That footage showed that after officers coaxed three people out of the home, Evans emerged barefoot and shirtless, wearing basketball shorts. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 The things museums collect are often obstinate and unyielding; research and context can be a way of coaxing them to speak. — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 26 June 2026 As a child, Chopra’s father often had to coax his mother away from the waterway. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for coax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax

Verb

Someone there has to be gobbier and start cajoling players into their proper positions.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
An honest summary would still pass the buck to the voters on a grossly dishonest scheme, but at least the voters might recognize a description that doesn’t cajole, coax and mislead them.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026

Definition of cajole

Verb

Opened as a hotel in 1873, the property has attracted A-listers over the decades, including Alfred Hitchcock, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and George Clooney (luring him from his own Como home nearby).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Over the last decade, China reversed its brain drain, luring thousands of skilled workers back home to help fuel its rise as a technology powerhouse.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of lure

Verb

With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.

— Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of seduce

Verb

Eventually, the attacker would entice the target to install malware disguised as security software.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
The San Francisco Chronicle first confirmed Saronic’s plans, which come after Texas officials approved a $211 million abatement package to entice the company to locate the shipyard in South Texas.

— Lia Russell July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of entice

Verb

Chef Albert was a restaurateur trying to wheedle a good review out of a tough restaurant critic.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
In a bid to rekindle the couple’s honeymoon phase, Yasmin troubleshoots by wheedling a chief executive role for him at payment processing company Tender (run by Max Minghella‘s inscrutable puppet-master Whitney Halberstram), and throwing her husband a lavish costume party for his 40th birthday.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

Definition of wheedle

Verb

In wooing Franklin to Blacksburg, Foster, Babcock and members of the Virginia Tech board of visitors needed to convince him that the Hokies were ready to get back in the game after sinking toward the bottom of the ACC in athletic spending.

— Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 9 July 2026
However, Canada’s goal came from Eustáquio, the son of Portuguese parents who Herdman wooed away from that country’s U-21 team in 2019.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Definition of woo

Verb

An evacuation warning means a potential threat to life and/or property, and those who require time to evacuate were urged to leave ahead of any mandatory evacuation order.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Hearings on the issue took place in Washington last week, with some industry associations urging the administration to refrain from imposing new duties.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 July 2026

Definition of urge

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“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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