wheedle

/'wi:dl/
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wheedle

The child tried to wheedle a cookie from his mother.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To use flattery, coaxing, or gentle persuasion to influence someone to do something or to obtain something from them. It implies a smooth, often insincere, attempt to gain favor or compliance.
Examples of Usage
  • Verb:
    • He managed to wheedle the secret out of her. (He used coaxing words to get her to reveal the secret.)
    • The child tried to wheedle a later bedtime from his parents. (The child attempted to coax his parents into allowing a later bedtime.)
    • She wheedled her way into the exclusive party. (She used flattery or persuasion to gain entry to the party.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to wheedle something out of someone": to obtain something from someone by using coaxing or flattery.
    • The reporter wheedled a statement out of the reluctant celebrity.
  • "to wheedle someone into something/into doing something": to persuade someone to do something through coaxing.
    • They wheedled him into investing in their risky scheme.
Variants and Related Words
  • Wheedler (noun): A person who wheedles.
    • He was a charming wheedler who always got what he wanted.
  • Wheedling (adjective/noun): The act or manner of wheedling; coaxing.
    • She used a wheedling tone to ask for a favor. (adjective)
    • His constant wheedling finally wore her down. (noun)
Synonyms
  • Coax: To persuade gently and patiently.
  • Cajole: To persuade by sustained coaxing or flattery.
  • Inveigle: To persuade by deception or flattery.
  • Sweet-talk: To use flattery to persuade.
Antonyms
  • Bully: To influence through intimidation.
  • Coerce: To compel by force or threat.
  • Command: To order authoritatively.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To wheedle one's way into/out of something: To use persuasion to gain entry to or escape from a situation.
    • He wheedled his way out of trouble with a convincing story.
  • All charm and wheedle: Describing someone who uses flattery as their primary method of persuasion.
    • He was all charm and wheedle when he wanted something.
wheedle

The child tried to wheedle a cookie from his mother.

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

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