coax
26 synonyms and 2 antonyms for coax, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To gently persuade someone to do something through patience or flattery.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use coax
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
coax someone into
coax out
Etymology
Originally from a 16th-century slang phrase meaning "to make a fool of", from an old noun "coax" meaning a simpleton — the meaning shifted over time to "gently persuade".
Full origin of coax →Frequently asked questions
What does “coax” mean?
The word “coax” means to gently persuade someone to do something through patience or flattery. In plain terms, to persuade someone gently and patiently, often using kindness or flattery rather than force.
How do you pronounce “coax”?
“Coax” is pronounced kohks (/koʊks/ in IPA).
How do you use “coax” in a sentence?
Here is “coax” used in a sentence: “She coaxed the frightened cat out from under the bed.”
What is another word for “coax”?
Words with a similar meaning to “coax” include blandander, blandish, butter up, cajole, fast-talk and canoodle.
What part of speech is “coax”?
“Coax” is a verb.
Where does the word “coax” come from?
The word “coax” dates back to around 1500. Originally from a 16th-century slang phrase meaning "to make a fool of", from an old noun "coax" meaning a simpleton — the meaning shifted over time to "gently persuade".
