Definition

Verb: To persuade someone to do something or to give you something by using sustained gentle persuasion, flattery, or promises, often in a way that is slightly deceptive or insincere.

Usage

The verb "cajole" is used to describe the act of coaxing someone through flattery, repeated pleas, or artful persuasion. It often implies that the person being cajoled is initially reluctant. It is typically followed by a structure indicating the result of the persuasion. * Common structure: cajole someone into (doing) something * Common structure: cajole something out of someone

Examples

• She managed to cajole her father into lending her the car for the weekend.
• The children tried to cajole their mother into letting them stay up late.
• He cajoled a large donation out of the wealthy businessman.
• It took a lot of sweet-talking to cajole the secret out of him.

Advanced Usage

• "to cajole one's way into/out of something": To gain entry to or escape from a situation through persistent, artful persuasion.
  • He cajoled his way into the exclusive party by charming the security guard.
• The act or process of cajoling can be described as cajolery.

Variants and Related Words

• Cajolery (noun): The use of flattery or coaxing to persuade someone.
  • It was pure cajolery, but it worked.

Synonyms

• Coax: To persuade gently and patiently.
• Wheedle: To use flattery or coaxing to obtain something, often with a more negative connotation of being manipulative.
• Inveigle: To persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flattery.

Antonyms

• Bully: To use force or threats to persuade.
• Coerce: To compel someone to do something by using force or threats.
• Order: To command someone to do something.

Related Phrases

• Use sweet talk: To use flattering or affectionate words to persuade (informal).
  • He used sweet talk to cajole her into agreeing.

Verb

1. influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
   • He palavered her into going along