Synonyms for Cajole
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: To cajole someone is to persuade them through flattery or gentle manipulation rather than force. This definition highlights the soft yet persistent nature of the action. Below you will find a comprehensive list of synonyms for cajole, organized by tone and intensity. Each entry includes a brief explanation and an example sentence to show how the word functions in context.
Closest Synonyms for Cajole
- persuade
- To influence someone to do something through reasoning or argument, like persuading a friend to join a trip.
- entice
- To attract someone with an appealing offer, such as enticing a customer with a special discount.
- woo
- To try to gain favor or affection, like wooing a partner with kind gestures and compliments.
- coax
- To gently persuade someone to do something they might resist, like coaxing a child to take a bath.
- sweet-talk
- To use flattering words to get what you want, such as sweet-talking a boss for a raise.
- flatter
- To praise someone excessively to win their favor, like flattering a client to close a deal.
- beguile
- To charm or deceive someone, such as beguiling a stranger into giving directions.
- win over
- To change someone's mind or gain their support, like winning over a skeptic with patience.
- talk down
- To use gentle language to convince someone, such as talking down a angry neighbor to peace.
- seduce
- To tempt someone, often with charm, like seducing a customer with a luxurious package.
- lure
- To attract someone by offering something desirable, such as luring a cat with a toy.
- beg
- To ask someone very politely or persistently, like begging a friend to lend money.
Formal Synonyms for Cajole
- influence
- To have an effect on someone's character or behavior, like influencing a policy decision.
- induce
- To cause someone to take a particular action, like inducing a patient to rest.
- procure
- To obtain something through skill or effort, such as procuring rare books for a library.
- secure
- To gain or achieve something, like securing an agreement with a partner.
- convince
- To cause someone to believe something is true, such as convincing an investor to fund a project.
- impel
- To drive or urge someone to act, like impelling a runner to cross the finish line.
- motivate
- To provide someone with a reason to act, such as motivating a team to work harder.
- recruit
- To enlist someone for a purpose, like recruiting volunteers for a charity.
- enlist
- To ask someone for help or service, such as enlisting an expert for advice.
Informal Synonyms for Cajole
- talk the talk
- To use words to make something happen, like talking the talk to get a free meal.
- play it up
- To act in a way to get sympathy, such as playing it up to avoid chores.
- talk sweet
- To speak nicely to get what you want, such as talking sweet to a waiter.
- push
- To urge someone to do something, such as pushing a reluctant friend to try something new.
- nag
- To annoy someone by repeating a request, like nagging a sibling to clean their room.
- pester
- To bother someone repeatedly, such as pestering a neighbor for help moving boxes.
- flirt
- To act romantically to attract someone, like flirting with a stranger at a party.
- charm
- To use attractive qualities to please others, such as charming a date with humor.
Stronger and Weaker Words
- nudge
- Weaker than cajole; suggests a very light push or suggestion rather than active persuasion.
- manipulate
- Stronger than cajole; implies control and possibly unethical methods to achieve a goal.
- beseech
- stronger
- bespeak
- weaker
- implore
- stronger
- solicit
- weaker
- encourage
- weaker
- incite
- stronger
Antonyms for Cajole
- threaten
- force
- command
- order
- shout
- demand
- compel
- press
- coerce
- intimidate
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choosing the right synonym for cajole depends on the context and the tone you wish to convey. If you want to emphasize the gentle nature of the persuasion, words like coax or entice work well. For a more formal setting, persuade or influence might be better choices. However, if you wish to highlight the manipulative aspect, words like manipulate or seduce are more appropriate. Always consider the relationship between the people involved and the outcome you are aiming for when selecting your word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cajole and persuade?
Persuade usually involves using logic or reason to change someone's mind, while cajole often relies on flattery or manipulation to achieve the same result.
Is cajole a positive or negative word?
Cajole can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on whether the persuasion is seen as helpful or manipulative. It often implies a soft force rather than direct action.
Can you cajole a machine?
No, cajole is specifically used for persuading people or sentient beings. You cannot cajole an object or machine because it lacks the ability to be influenced by flattery or charm.
What is the origin of the word cajole?
The word cajole comes from the French verb cajoiller, which means to soothe or pacify. It entered the English language in the late 17th century.





