cajole
Persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
Examples
In a meeting
“She managed to cajole the reluctant vendor into extending our payment terms.”
Over coffee
“I had to cajole my kid into eating vegetables by promising dessert.”
Why this word
persuade
Cajole uses flattery, charm, or coaxing persistently, while persuade is neutral convincing through reasoning
coax
Cajole emphasizes flattery and persistent gentle pressure, while coax focuses on patient encouragement
convince
Cajole relies on charm and manipulation rather than logic, while convince uses rational argument
Usage tip
Use for gentle, persistent persuasion. Lighter than manipulation but more strategic than simple asking.
Etymology
French 'cajoler' — to coax, possibly from cage (to chatter like a bird in a cage)
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Related words
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
compel
To force or drive someone to do something; to be irresistibly interesting
wield
To hold and use power, influence, or a tool effectively
persuade
Cause someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argument
rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
rebut
Claim or prove that evidence or an accusation is false