wheedle 🔊
Meaning of wheedle
To use flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do something or give one something.
Key Difference
Wheedle specifically implies the use of sweet-talk or charm to manipulate someone, whereas its synonyms may involve different tactics like begging, pleading, or persistent requests.
Example of wheedle
- The salesman tried to wheedle the old woman into buying an expensive vacuum cleaner she didn't need.
- He managed to wheedle his way backstage by complimenting the security guard's watch.
Synonyms
coax 🔊
Meaning of coax
To gently and persistently persuade someone to do something.
Key Difference
Coaxing is more about gentle persuasion, while wheedling involves flattery or insincere praise.
Example of coax
- She coaxed her toddler into eating vegetables by making airplane noises with the spoon.
- The negotiator coaxed the hostage-taker into releasing the children first.
cajole 🔊
Meaning of cajole
To persuade someone to do something through sustained coaxing or flattery.
Key Difference
Cajole is similar to wheedle but often implies a more prolonged or persistent effort.
Example of cajole
- He cajoled his friends into joining him on the hiking trip by promising stunning views.
- The politician cajoled the undecided voters with promises of tax cuts.
blandish 🔊
Meaning of blandish
To coax or influence someone by gentle flattery or pleasing statements.
Key Difference
Blandish is a more formal term and often implies excessive or obvious flattery.
Example of blandish
- The courtiers blandished the king to gain favors and titles.
- She blandished her professor with compliments in hopes of a better grade.
inveigle 🔊
Meaning of inveigle
To persuade someone to do something through deception or flattery.
Key Difference
Inveigle often carries a stronger connotation of trickery or deceit compared to wheedle.
Example of inveigle
- The con artist inveigled his way into the wealthy widow's confidence.
- They inveigled him into investing in a fraudulent scheme.
sweet-talk 🔊
Meaning of sweet-talk
To use flattery or charming words to persuade someone.
Key Difference
Sweet-talk is more informal and direct, while wheedle can be more subtle.
Example of sweet-talk
- He sweet-talked the bouncer into letting him into the exclusive club.
- She sweet-talked her boss into giving her the day off.
butter up 🔊
Meaning of butter up
To flatter or praise someone excessively to gain favor.
Key Difference
Butter up is more colloquial and often implies obvious or exaggerated flattery.
Example of butter up
- The employee buttered up the manager before asking for a raise.
- He buttered up his in-laws by complimenting their cooking.
soft-soap 🔊
Meaning of soft-soap
To use smooth, flattering talk to persuade someone.
Key Difference
Soft-soap is similar to wheedle but often implies a smoother, more polished approach.
Example of soft-soap
- The diplomat soft-soaped the opposing delegation to avoid conflict.
- She soft-soaped her landlord into delaying the rent increase.
schmooze 🔊
Meaning of schmooze
To talk in a friendly and persuasive manner, often to gain an advantage.
Key Difference
Schmooze is more about networking and socializing, while wheedle is more manipulative.
Example of schmooze
- He schmoozed with the executives at the party to land a better job.
- The actor schmoozed the director to get a role in the upcoming film.
persuade 🔊
Meaning of persuade
To convince someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
Key Difference
Persuade is a general term and doesn't imply flattery or manipulation like wheedle.
Example of persuade
- She persuaded her team to adopt the new strategy with logical arguments.
- The lawyer persuaded the jury of his client's innocence.
Conclusion
- Wheedle is best used when describing someone using flattery or charm to manipulate others subtly.
- Coax can be used in situations where gentle, patient persuasion is needed without any hesitation.
- If you want to sound more professional, use cajole, as it implies a more persistent effort.
- Blandish is best in formal contexts where excessive flattery is involved.
- Inveigle should be used when there's an element of deception or trickery in the persuasion.
- Sweet-talk is ideal for informal, direct flattery to get what you want.
- Butter up works well in casual settings where obvious flattery is employed.
- Soft-soap is perfect for describing smooth, polished flattery.
- Schmooze is the right word when networking or socializing to gain favor.
- Persuade is the most neutral term, suitable for general convincing without manipulation.