CEFR C2

wheedle

verb

Meaning

Persuade someone to do something or give something by using flattery, coaxing, or gentle manipulation.

Examples

She tried to wheedle her way into the VIP section by complimenting the bouncer's suit.
He managed to wheedle a discount out of the shopkeeper with a charming story about his budget.

Synonyms: coax, cajole, entice, inveigle

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

wheedle (C2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈwiːdəl/

Definition

Persuade someone to do something or give something by using flattery, coaxing, or gentle manipulation.

Examples

She tried to wheedle her way into the VIP section by complimenting the bouncer's suit.
He managed to wheedle a discount out of the shopkeeper with a charming story about his budget.
The puppy used big, sad eyes to wheedle a scrap of steak from the dinner table.

How to Use wheedle

wheedle into (phrasal verb): to persuade someone to do something through flattery — "He wheedled his way into the exclusive club."
wheedle out of (phrasal verb): to obtain something from someone through coaxing — "She wheedled a secret out of him."

Synonyms of wheedle

Words with a similar meaning to wheedle:

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary