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Definition of wheedle

wheedle

/ˈwiː.dəl/
whee · dle
Adverb:wheedlingly
•
Adjective:wheedling
•
Past Simple:wheedled
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Past Participle:wheedled
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Present Participle:wheedling
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wheedle Lexical Profile

wheedle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To employ endearments, flattery, or gentle persistence in order to persuade someone to do something or give one something.

Example

"The children tried to wheedle their parents into letting them stay up past their bedtime."

2

To obtain something from someone by using flattery, coaxing, or artful persuasion.

Example

"She managed to wheedle a complimentary upgrade out of the hotel receptionist."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for wheedle

• Nearby Words

wheaton
wheaty
whee
wheedle
wheel
wheelbarrow
wheelbase

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-17th century as cant or slang meaning 'to dupe or flatter', possibly derived from Old English wædlian ('to beg' or 'to be poor') or German wedeln ('to wag the tail' or 'to fawn').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wheedle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wheedle
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