Cajole: meaning, example and synonyms
Cajolev. To persuade someone with flattery or gentle, persistent coaxing.
Example
Unable to command the reluctant volunteers, the organizer cajoled them with praise and promises of credit until they agreed to stay through the night.
- Part of speech
- verb
- Synonyms
- coax, wheedle, sweet-talk, inveigle
- Antonyms
- force, coerce, compel
- Memory tip
- Think 'cage' + 'jolly': luring someone in with charm.
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Check yourself: Cajole in context
Unable to order the stubborn mule forward, the trail guide tried to ______ it with soft words and a handful of oats held just beyond its nose.
Answer: cajole. Soft words and oats used to coax a stubborn animal is gentle persuasion: cajole. Venerate (revere), derogate (disparage) and incubate (nurture slowly) aren't ways to coax a mule forward.
After weeks of flattery and gentle pleading, the museum director finally ______ the reclusive collector into lending his paintings for the exhibition.
Answer: cajoled. Flattery and gentle pleading that win someone over is cajoling: cajoled. Incubated (nurtured), derogated (disparaged) and invigorated (energized) don't fit 'into lending'.