CAJOLE Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'cajole' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cajole are blandish , coax , soft-soap , and wheedle . While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," 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 might 'blandish' be a better fit than 'cajole'?

Although the words blandish and cajole have much in common, 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 is it sensible to use 'coax' instead of 'cajole'?

While the synonyms coax and cajole are close in meaning, 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 'soft-soap' take the place of 'cajole'?

In some situations, the words soft-soap and cajole are roughly equivalent. However, soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain. // politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

Q: When is 'wheedle' a more appropriate choice than 'cajole'?

The words wheedle and cajole 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

cajole

verb

kə-ˈjōl

Definition of cajole next

as in to coax

to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery cajoled her into doing his laundry for him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb cajole differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cajole are blandish, coax, soft-soap, and wheedle. While all these words mean "to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions," 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 might blandish be a better fit than cajole?

Although the words blandish and cajole have much in common, blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

When is it sensible to use coax instead of cajole?

While the synonyms coax and cajole are close in meaning, 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 soft-soap take the place of cajole?

In some situations, the words soft-soap and cajole are roughly equivalent. However, soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

When is wheedle a more appropriate choice than cajole?

The words wheedle and cajole 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

Examples 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 cajole In other cities, owners usually create little posters about their cats to hang outside their windows and presumably coax, cajole and/or beg their feline to cooperate by lounging near the window on tour day. —

Karri Peifer, Axios, 19 Sep. 2024 During that campaign cycle, an entire grassroots effort would emerge to cajole both Obama and McCain into having a full debate on scientific questions. —

Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2024 The Cowboys’ Dak Prescott just moved the bar for quarterback pay, cajoling his way to a four-year, $240 million extension from Jerry Jones. —

Phil Rogers, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Ditto the possibility that Ukrainians, who took to the streets in late 2013, might oust President Viktor Yanukovych, whom Moscow had just bribed and cajoled into shelving the accord with the EU. —

Rajan Menon, Foreign Affairs, 29 Feb. 2016 See all Example Sentences for cajole