cajoler

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who persuades by flattery or gentle pleading: a "cajoler" is someone who uses coaxing, compliments, or deceptive charm to influence others into doing what they want.
Usage Examples
  • (He used flattery and persuasion to achieve his goal.)
  • (She avoids using flattery to get her way.)
  • (He used coaxing and charm to obtain something.)
Advanced Usage

  • "a professional cajoler": someone whose job or habit involves persistent, often manipulative persuasion.

    • Politicians are often seen as professional cajolers, promising favors to gain support. (They use flattery and promises to influence voters.)

  • "to act as a cajoler": to take on the role of persuading someone gently.

    • In negotiations, he acted as a cajoler, softening the other party's resistance with compliments. (He used gentle persuasion to ease tensions.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Cajole (verb): to persuade someone using flattery or gentle pleading.
    • She tried to cajole her friend into attending the party. (She coaxed him with kind words.)
  • Cajolery (noun): the act or practice of cajoling.
    • His cajolery was effective, but it felt insincere. (His flattery achieved its purpose.)
  • Cajoling (adjective): tending to persuade by flattery or coaxing.
    • Her cajoling tone made it hard to refuse her request. (Her gentle, flattering manner was persuasive.)
Synonyms
  • Coaxer: a person who gently persuades or urges.
    • The coaxer convinced the shy child to join the game. (Similar to a cajoler, but often less manipulative.)
  • Wheedler: a person who uses flattery or cunning to get what they want.
    • The wheedler charmed his way into the exclusive club. (A more manipulative synonym.)
  • Flatterer: someone who gives excessive compliments to gain favor.
    • The flatterer praised the boss endlessly for a promotion. (Focuses on praise rather than gentle pleading.)
Related Idioms
  • "Sweet-talk someone": to persuade someone using flattery or kind words.
    • He sweet-talked his way into the manager's office. (He cajoled the receptionist using charm.)
  • "Butter someone up": to flatter someone excessively to gain a favor.
    • She buttered up her professor before asking for an extension. (She cajoled him with compliments.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Cajole into: to persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle pleading.
    • They cajoled him into volunteering for the project. (They used coaxing to get his agreement.)
  • Cajole out of: to obtain something from someone through flattery or persuasion.
    • She cajoled the secret out of her brother. (She wheedled the information from him.)

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