coax

verb

ˈkōks How to pronounce coax (audio)
Definition of coaxnext
as in to cajole
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery trying to coax their father into taking them on a ski trip, the teens mentioned what a great skier he is

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The regulator claims Frost even allegedly misled current investors about the security of their existing investments to coax more funding out of them. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025 The twin moves represent a sharp contrast to the early months of the Trump administration, which were characterized by fitful attempts to coax Russia into a ceasefire as part of a broader rapprochement. —semafor.com, 11 July 2025 Key moment With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth inning, Gausman coaxed Gustavo Campero into a 1-3 double play. —Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025 Learn more about how an infinite complexity of brews is coaxed out of those three simple ingredients by touring a brewery. —Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for coax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coax
  1. cajole
  2. lure
  3. seduce
  4. entice
  5. wheedle
  6. woo
  7. urge
  8. beg
Verb
  • Only occasionally could my father be cajoled into telling me a bedtime story.
    — Margot Singer July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • After arm-twisting and cajoling lawmakers overnight, Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed what is likely to be the most significant piece of legislation enacted during the president’s second term.
    — Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 July 2025
Definition of cajole
Verb
  • Across the country, governors and legislators are clamoring to offer ever more generous tax incentives to lure data centers to their state.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Promotions like Miami Spice and Taste the Gables, which runs through the end of July, are a way to lure customers during what is becoming an ever-longer low season.
    — Connie Ogle July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025
Definition of lure
Verb
  • Split rumors arose when Furlan revealed that she had been seduced by a catfish posing as musician Ronnie Radke.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Instead, Piero and Lara are cautiously trying to seduce one another while protecting themselves from shagging what could be a crazy person.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025
Definition of seduce
Verb
  • For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2025
  • Culinary delight often begins with a visual feast that entices people to indulge in delicious flavors.
    — Molly Peck, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Definition of entice
Verb
  • 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
  • The ObamaCare failure made the tax cut harder, but after months of jawboning and wheedling, the White House got the deal done at the end of 2017.
    — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 2 May 2025
Definition of wheedle
Verb
  • Both political parties have tested the line in trying to harness the power of the pulpit, with many Republicans wooing evangelical leaders while Democrats often try to curry favor with Black churches.
    — Tiffany Li, ABC News, 15 July 2025
  • But fear not, because Austin offers plenty of ways to woo your potential lover without emptying your wallet.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of woo
Verb
  • Residents are urged to exercise caution, stay hydrated, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
    — Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Donald Trump has also publicly stated his opposition to breaking encrypted communications, publicly urging the prime minister Kier Starmer not to introduce such measures.
    — Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of urge
Verb
  • This begs the question: What else is there to say about Young and his offseason?
    — Alex Zietlow July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
  • On top of that, the battery easily goes a week without begging for a charger, and the square AMOLED display is way easier to read mid-run than a round one.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
Definition of beg

Browse Nearby Words

coauthors
coax
coaxed
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Cite this Entry

“Coax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coax. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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