Quick answer
Wheedle means to coax, flatter, or persuade someone with gentle words and charm. It is usually pronounced WEE-dəl, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Wheedle
To wheedle means to coax, flatter, or persuade someone with gentle words and charm. It belongs to ridiculous verbs and works best in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you wheedle, you to coax, flatter, or persuade someone with gentle words and charm. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Wheedle feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
The origin note most often attached to wheedle is: probably from Middle English, of uncertain origin. Where the history is not fully settled, the safest thing to say is that the word’s sound and tone have helped keep it memorable.
Is this word still used today?
Wheedle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- He tried to wheedle an extra dessert out of the waiter with a smile.
- The lobbyist wheedled support from undecided members over lunch.
- Parents sometimes wheedle reluctant children into bed with promises and stories.
- The word usually implies charm mixed with calculation.
When should you use this word?
Use wheedle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
Similar words
coax, cajole, sweet-talk, flatter, persuade
Opposite or contrasting words
demand, order, bully
Common questions
- What does wheedle mean? to coax, flatter, or persuade someone with gentle words and charm.
- How do you pronounce wheedle? It is commonly pronounced WEE-dəl.
- Is wheedle still used today? Wheedle is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use wheedle? Use wheedle when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in comic action, lively dialogue, and verbs that do more than plain “move” or “say”.
- What words are similar to wheedle? Similar words include coax, cajole, sweet-talk, and flatter.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.