wheedle
verb (used with object)
to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts.
wheedles
-
present tense formof wheedle (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The man, 56-year-old Wu Zhiqing, complains about the quality of the mushrooms; she wheedles back in response.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 12, 2026
“Because of your big career that’s so much bigger than mine?” wheedles her petulant husband.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 20, 2022
“At least we tried to make a movie. They can’t judge us for that,” wheedles director Darren at the end of the film, incorrectly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2022
THE young woman with the microphone cajoles, hectors and wheedles customers with the breathless enthusiasm of a livestock auctioneer at a county fair.
From Economist ● Jul. 18, 2017
But the brook always whines and wheedles: “Don’t go, Ida B, don’t go. Nobody’s callin’ and they can wait, anyway.
From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan
