as in to coax
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery
she can sweet-talk her besotted boyfriend into just about anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in butter
excessive praise
enough of this sweet talk—just give me your honest opinion of my performance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of sweet-talk
Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Then, after Trump rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in mid-August, a group of European leaders, including Zelensky, flocked to Washington in a collective effort to sweet-talk Trump.
—Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024
When things aren’t working on a practical level, though, no amount of sweet talk can cover that up.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweet-talk
Verb
Forget the old myths about dressing up or sweet-talking your way to the front.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Then, after Trump rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in mid-August, a group of European leaders, including Zelensky, flocked to Washington in a collective effort to sweet-talk Trump.
—Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025
Noun
Just in case that gave Reba a leg up, don't let her sweet talk you.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024
When things aren’t working on a practical level, though, no amount of sweet talk can cover that up.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2024
See All Example Sentences for sweet-talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweet-talk
Verb
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The mammal’s health deteriorated as it became repeatedly stranded in shallow waters, and unsuccessful efforts to coax it toward deeper seas were live-streamed across the globe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
-
These versatile evergreen shrubs have small, dense leaves that can be carved into sculptural shapes or coaxed into sophisticated hedges.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
In a very large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2026
-
Examples include fruit with Greek yogurt, toast with nut butter, and an apple and string cheese.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Practical self-care items such as thick lotions, face masks and soft soaps that don’t irritate skin. Pragmatic.—
Ellen T. Meiser,
The Conversation,
5 Dec. 2025
-
People should wash any skin that comes into contact with the slurry with water and soft soap, before using a hand cream to avoid dryness and cracking.—
Lauren Penington,
The Denver Post,
2 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Her determination to win the spirit's praise and to attain his immense gifts motivates her to achieve the ultimate dominant position.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
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The king delivered a diplomatic master class on the trip, mixing praise for his host with subtle criticism.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
After the initial flattery, the tone shifts to isolating phrases.—
Kathy and Ross Petrass,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Our actual political landscape, in which government officials are adding journalists to top-secret group chats or running around in wrong-sized shoes as a form of flattery, has too far superseded anything even the most cutting jokester could ever have dreamed up.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Her lyrics were as interested in the sound of language as the meaning, stretching words like taffy and ping-ponging syllables around.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Under the new restrictions, products like candy bars, gum and taffy can no longer be purchased with SNAP benefits.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His most recent appearance on the hit series Shrinking has drawn critical acclaim and, for the star, an even closer bond with collaborator Harrison Ford.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
3 May 2026
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The organization’s connection to American Zoetrope and the Coppola family’s long-standing place in Hollywood history adds a layer of acclaim and prestige to any film program that’s focused on artistic access.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sweet-talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweet-talk. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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