Thesaurus

soft-soap

Q: How does the verb 'soft-soap' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of soft-soap are blandish , cajole , coax , and wheedle . While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain. // politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

Q: When could 'blandish' be used to replace 'soft-soap'?

While in some cases nearly identical to soft-soap , blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions. // legislators blandished with promises of support

Q: When can 'cajole' be used instead of 'soft-soap'?

The meanings of cajole and soft-soap largely overlap; 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 would 'coax' be a good substitute for 'soft-soap'?

The words coax and soft-soap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect. // coaxed the cat out of the tree

Q: In what contexts can 'wheedle' take the place of 'soft-soap'?

The words wheedle and soft-soap 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of soft-soap

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery

she cunningly soft-soaped her parents into letting her go on the trip

Synonyms for soft-soap

Words Related to soft-soap

Near Antonyms for soft-soap

2 to praise too much

shrewd voters who know when a politician is trying to soft-soap them

Synonyms for soft-soap

Words Related to soft-soap

idolize,
worship

endear,
ingratiate

Near Antonyms for soft-soap

soft soap

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of soft soap (Entry 2 of 2)

excessive praise

a salesman who knows the value of soft soap in making a sale

Synonyms for soft soap

Words Related to soft soap

Near Antonyms for soft soap

Frequently Asked Questions About soft-soap

How does the verb soft-soap differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of soft-soap are blandish, cajole, coax, and wheedle. While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

When could blandish be used to replace soft-soap?

While in some cases nearly identical to soft-soap, blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

When can cajole be used instead of soft-soap?

The meanings of cajole and soft-soap largely overlap; 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 would coax be a good substitute for soft-soap?

The words coax and soft-soap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 wheedle take the place of soft-soap?

The words wheedle and soft-soap 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

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