coax
coax Lexical Profile
coax Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To gently and persistently persuade someone to do something through flattery, patience, or kind words.
"The teacher managed to coax the shy student into participating in the group discussion."
To carefully manipulate or arrange something into a desired shape, position, or state.
"The mechanic managed to coax the rusted bolt out of the engine block without breaking it."
To gradually obtain something from someone through persistent, gentle requests.
"She tried to coax a smile from the crying toddler by making funny faces."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike 'coerce', which implies the use of force or threats, 'coax' specifically entails gentle, patient persuasion or flattery.
• Rhymes for coax
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: originally meaning 'to pet or fondle', perhaps from the obsolete noun 'cokes' meaning 'a fool' or 'simpleton', implying making a fool of someone through flattery.