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
Relevance
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
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 sweet-talk
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
That night, Mel watches in delight as Jack sweet-talks Charmaine’s twins.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
John Benson, cleveland, 12 Sep. 2023
Cuban boleros, street-corner sweet talk, Mexican songs, Frank Sinatra ballads, and Frankie Laine melodramas . . .
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 4 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for sweet-talk
Verb
The plan works, even if Frank comically stumbles with career specifics when sweet-talking Sritala.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
That night, Mel watches in delight as Jack sweet-talks Charmaine’s twins.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
During the ride to the police station, the driver was trying to sweet talk the officer into not arresting him and instead letting his wife pick him up.
—John Benson, cleveland, 12 Sep. 2023
Cuban boleros, street-corner sweet talk, Mexican songs, Frank Sinatra ballads, and Frankie Laine melodramas . . .
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 4 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for sweet-talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweet-talk
Verb
-
There was something meditative about the way the water bubbled and burst, coaxing that tough meat to tenderness.—
Cleyvis Natera,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 July 2025
-
The crowd burst into laughter, but even wizardry couldn't coax it in.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Research shows that both butter and buttermilk contain high amounts of Lactobacilli and Lactococci, and can maintain their probiotic levels even after prolonged storage periods.11 8.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
23 July 2025
-
Coffee & Cocoa Burger At Smith & Wollensky, the signature coffee and cocoa rub, topped with ancho chili butter and angry onions.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Most of the questions aimed at the ironic American director of Raging Bull, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas were less softballs than soft soap, with reporters as interested in Scorsese’s favorite food — his mother’s lasagna recipe — as the movies in his peerless filmography.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Feb. 2024
Noun
-
Looking back on Jones' stint as a guest star, Smith had high praise for the musician.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
-
Bryan, who selected the $100,000 winning envelope, chose to split the prize with Amaya — a decision that earned some praise but also a few critics.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Its flattery is intended to keep people engaged and coming back for more.—
Russell Shaw,
The Atlantic,
11 July 2025
-
Imitation is supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Shop for taffy at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, rent a jet-ski from Fly-N-High Waverunners, or book a deep-sea fishing excursion at Hubbard’s Marina.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
-
Someone is then shot with a harpoon, only to have their guts pulled like taffy from the wound.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to critical acclaim, E•MO•TION debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 album chart.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
17 July 2025
-
The most recent game in the series, Mortal Kombat 1, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sweet-talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweet-talk. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share