coax
Coax (verb) means to gently persuade someone to do something through patience or flattery. Example: “She coaxed the frightened cat out from under the bed.”
How to use coax
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo persuade someone gently and patiently, often using kindness or flattery rather than force.
Word forms
coaxed past tense, coaxes plural, coaxes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the frightened cat out from under the bed.
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".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for coax
See all rhymes for 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".
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