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 Trier has coaxed career-defining performances from both his stars. Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025 If Disney couldn’t coax Daft Punk out of retirement, then Nine Inch Nails is quite literally the next best option. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025 In Murano, a glassmaker bends over the furnace, coaxing color from fire. Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025 But coaxing him to linger over a chapter is nearly impossible, often excruciating. Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
Verb
  • But, rather than give up, Azel became a pickleball advocate, tirelessly educating, lobbying and cajoling politicians, park directors and anyone else who would listen about the incredible growth of the sport nation-wide.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Touches five and six are merely the cajoling preamble to the pièce de résistance, aka touch seven, a piercing through ball which splits defender Goncalo Inacio and backtracking forward Geny Catamo like a warm bread knife through a ciabatta roll straight out of Mama’s oven.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Norvell benched his first starting QB, Clay Millen, in favor of Fowler-Nicolosi in 2023 and later accused Kansas State of offering a six-figure Name/Image/Likeness arrangement to lure the QB away from Fort Collins.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Property owners have been trying to get discounts with tactics like switching from individual cans to dumpsters, making changes to their organic recycling or teaming with nearby properties to lure haulers with better economies of scale.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Conveniently, two beautiful young strangers (Ana de Armas, Lorenza Izzo) come by late one stormy night, inviting themselves in and quickly seducing him.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Countless service members were seduced by the region’s beauty and fair weather and chose to settle here.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That's when the companies start trying to entice business customers onto their platform by being really good to them - at the expense of their users.
    NPR, NPR, 21 Oct. 2025
  • But an uninspired and shallow story – which includes a rape scene demanded by the studio – hampers his attempts to entice us with a chilling and menacing tone.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 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
  • The annual spectacle, with thousands of media buyers and advertisers crisscrossing Manhattan to be wooed and pitched by TV networks, has already transformed into something more corporate.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Looking to woo higher-income shoppers, David’s Bridal has opened its second Diamonds & Pearls store — an outpost in Burlington, Mass.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Roughly 500 celebrities and Hollywood artists signed the Artists4Ceasefire petition in 2023; dozens of industry A-listers signed an Artists4Ceasefire letter addressed to then-President Biden, urging the White House for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • What Happens Next The FDA has urged consumers to follow recall instructions and dispose of affected shrimp promptly.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • All of which begs the question, can—and should—Europe use the once-in-a-generation opportunity presented by decarbonization to reboot its own renewables supply chain, creating green jobs and sustainable wealth for the future?
    Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Ever since Long and Tate starred in Theodore Witcher’s debut, Love Jones, fans of the cult classic have been begging for a sequel.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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