View synonyms for coaxing

coaxing

[ kohk-sing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act of gently persuading, flattering, cajoling, etc., to influence someone to do something:
There was a high-spirited stallion that no one dared to ride except Ken—after much coaxing by his companions.
the act of manipulating something to a desired end by adroit handling or persistent effort:
It took some coaxing with the wheel puller and a hammer and chisel, but the brake drum is now off.

using gentle persuasion, flattery, etc., to influence someone to do something; cajoling:
In the pool is a coaxing parent, beckoning her timid offspring forward and ready to catch him when he jumps.

Origin of coaxing¹

First recorded in 1670–80; coax ¹ + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; coax ¹ + -ing ² for the adjective sense

Mondavi also realized the value of coaxing trophy names from Bordeaux into opening wineries in Napa.

The driver in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie shook the reins, coaxing the white horses ahead.

Later, I fell asleep to the sound of Lhoucine gently coaxing his camel and faint ululating from a distant stone cottage.

She hypnotized Cory with her free spirit, freer hair, and asinine name, coaxing him out of his shell and into love with her.

From across the room, I watch her friends, some of them also ill, unsuccessfully coaxing her to eat.

She'd think as little of coaxing a woman's husband from her, as she wu'd of shooting a thief like a doorg.

Joe saw at once that the man was wild with drink, and he put on a smile, with a notion of coaxing the captain over.

Coaxing Miss Jewett into her little parlor, she showed her the pictures, and read aloud the letter.

"Then, for once, I've found a disinterested female in a coaxing mood," replied this modern Diogenes.

She knelt beside him, holding the cup for him, and by coaxing and entreating made him take a little food.

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