wheedle

American  

[hweed-l, weed-l] / ˈʰwid l, ˈwid l /

verb (used with object)

wheedled, wheedling

1. to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts.

   We wheedled him incessantly, but he would not consent.

   Synonyms:

   coax, cajole, flatter

2. to persuade (a person) by such words or acts.

   She wheedled him into going with her.

3. to obtain (something) by artful persuasions.

   I wheedled a new car out of my father.

   Synonyms:

   inveigle, beguile

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verb (used without object)

wheedled, wheedling

1. to use beguiling or artful persuasions.

   I always wheedle if I really need something.

wheedle British  

/ ˈwiːdəl /

verb

1. to persuade or try to persuade (someone) by coaxing words, flattery, etc

2. (tr) to obtain by coaxing and flattery

   she wheedled some money out of her father

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Other Word Forms

• unwheedled
  adjective
• wheedler
  noun
• wheedling
  adjective
• wheedlingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of wheedle

First recorded in 1655–65; origin uncertain

Explanation

To wheedle is to sweet talk, or flatter someone in the hopes of getting something in return. You might try to wheedle a meter maid into not giving you a parking ticket. Good luck with that. If you want your parents to do something for you that they don’t want to do, you may have to wheedle them with breakfast in bed and a shower of compliments in order to get what you want. To wheedle someone is to “charm” that person, though it’s a little more on the “suck up to” side than it is charming. The teacher’s pet might try to wheedle her way into a better grade.

Example Sentences

Wheedle, hwēd′l, v.t. to entice by soft words: to flatter.—n. a coaxing person.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Wheedle her, tweedle her, teedle her, but don't let her make sure of you.

From The Story of an African Farm, a novel by Schreiner, Olive

Related Words

• cajole
• finagle