What does “coax” mean?
- 1
verbto persuade someone gently and patiently to do something
She coaxed the frightened cat out from under the bed.
- 2
verbto get something to work or happen by careful effort
He coaxed the old engine back to life.
Coax at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C1 (advanced)
- Pronunciation
- /koʊks/ · KOHKS
How to use “coax” correctly
Coaxing is gentle. If you use threats or force, the word is “coerce”.
Common phrases with “coax”
- coax sb into doing sth
- coax sb out of
- coax sth from sb
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- persuade
- cajole
- wheedle
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
- force
- coerce
Word family
- coaxing
- coaxingly
“coax” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- append verbC1to add something to the end of a document or piece of writing
- assert verbC1to state firmly that something is true
- dispatch verbC1to send someone or something to a place for a purpose
- foil verbC1to stop someone from succeeding in a plan, especially a bad one
- plead verbC1to ask for something in an urgent, emotional way
- rave verbC1to talk about something with great enthusiasm
- admonish verbC2to tell someone firmly that they have done something wrong
- advocate nounC1a person who publicly supports a cause or speaks for others