cajolement
/kəˈdʒoʊlmənt/
NOUN
1. The act of persuading through flattery or gentle urging
The act of persuading someone to do something through pleasant words, flattery, coaxing, or persistent gentle encouragement.
1.1. Gentle persuasion or coaxing
The act of encouraging or persuading someone through patient, gentle, and persistent urging rather than force.
Synonyms
- coaxing
- wheedling
- persuasion
- suasion
- inducement
- entreaty
Antonyms
- dissuasion
- discouragement
- deterrence
Examples
- Her cajolement eventually persuaded him to join the project.
- The teacher used cajolement to encourage the students to participate.
Related Words
- urging
- prompting
- influencing
- exhortation
- solicitation
1.2. Persuasion through flattery or sweet talk
The use of compliments, charming language, excessive praise, or flattering remarks to gain someone's cooperation or agreement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- criticism
- disparagement
- reproach
- rebuke
- censure
Examples
- Through cajolement and flattery, she convinced her employer to approve the request.
- His constant cajolement eventually won the support of the skeptical audience.
Related Words
1.3. Manipulative persuasion or deceptive inducement
The use of persuasive language, appealing promises, or misleading tactics to influence someone into doing something for one's own benefit.
Synonyms
- inveiglement
- enticement
- allurement
- seduction
- sweet-talking
Antonyms
- honesty
- candor
- straightforwardness
Examples
- The salesman relied on cajolement to persuade customers to purchase unnecessary products.
- She recognized his cajolement as an attempt to obtain a personal favor.