# coax

/ˈkoʊks/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coax
Updated: 2026-06-18

## Definition

to gently and patiently persuade someone to do something they are unsure about.

For teachers: to persuade someone gradually and gently to do something, often through flattery, patience, or soothing words; also to obtain something by such means.

## Examples

- She tried to coax the cat out from under the bed.
- After a lot of patience, he managed to coax a smile from the nervous child.
- The negotiator spent hours coaxing the reluctant witness into describing what she had seen that night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.