Cajolery

Cajolery refers to the act of persuading or coaxing someone through flattery, soft words, or deceptive speech, often with an ulterior motive. This term carries a connotation of manipulation, where the speaker intends to influence the listener's decisions or actions for their own benefit.

Cajolery meaning with examples

• The politician's cajolery was evident during the campaign debates, as he used smooth talk and charming gestures to sway voters, despite their skepticism about his promises and policies. Many felt misled by his seductive rhetoric, which masked the realities of his proposed reforms.
• During the sales meeting, her cajolery became quite apparent when she lavished praise on the client, attempting to persuade them to sign a contract that would financially benefit her company. While her approach was effective, it left some in the room questioning the authenticity of her compliments.
• His attempts at cajolery only irritated her; instead of sweet-talking his way into her good graces, he ended up pushing her away. She valued honesty over manipulative tactics, preferring genuine communication rather than veiled attempts to curry favor.
• Cajolery can often be found in everyday interactions, such as when children use sweet words and charming smiles to convince their parents to buy them treats. The deliberate use of flattery becomes their tool of choice for getting what they want, albeit temporarily.