1
as in coaxed
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 & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in applauded
to praise too much
shrewd voters who know when a politician is trying to soft-soap them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft-soaped
Verb
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Adams, then, holds down the top spot on the depth chart in that box-to-box role, but Pochettino has also coaxed fantastic performances out of players such as Sebastian Berhalter, McKennie, Tessmann — and even Timmy Tillman — in that role.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026 -
Back at Studio Animal Services, Rocco and Porter, a handsome golden retriever, are eventually coaxed away from their favorite toys.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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So instead of being booed for trading top prospect Owen Caissie, Hoyer is expected to be applauded for giving Bregman a five-year, $175 million deal that solidifies the Cubs lineup in the absence of Kyle Tucker, the star of last year’s Cubs Convention who remains unsigned.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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Council Member Cynthia Meyer applauded Joyce and her department’s work, praising the detailed presentation about Bastrop’s visitors.—
Aaron Sullivan,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith has also routinely praised Scott’s willingness to do whatever is asked of him.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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Officials praised the responders and said many of them received specialized water rescue training thanks to a federal grant.—
Christine Sloan,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Stunned by the news, Weathers raced to the visiting clubhouse, where his teammates on the 49-58 Marlins — 16 1/2 games back in the standings — congratulated him.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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And that’s why there’s been so much attention paid to who congratulated Kate Middleton on her birthday on January 9.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The judging panel, which this year included actor Emma Watson, commended the property for capturing the spirit of Beijing through its blends of traditional Hutong architecture and modern refinement.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
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The dean of the diplomatic corps, François commended the council for establishing specialized judicial units to investigate financial crimes and mass atrocities.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual.—
Caitlin Gunther,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Dec. 2025
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Those of us without earplugs stupidly massaged our jaws, heads tilted, eyelids quivering, listening to overtones through our teeth.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
Sarah Moss,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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Trump’s allies have always stroked his ego to get their way.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Wilson says he's flattered he was thought of to voice a dog.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
14 Jan. 2026
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The margin flattered no one; Barcelona was that good, and Athletic had no answer.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Soft-soaped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft-soaped. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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