cajole

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 2, 2025 is "cajole," a verb. To cajole means to persuade someone through flattery or gentle urging. It can also imply deceiving someone with soothing words or false promises. The word is frequently used with "into" to indicate what someone is persuaded to do. For instance, someone might cajole their partner into attending a party. Similarly, people aim to cajole others into cooperating. The example provided shows someone cajoling their father for season tickets. The etymology of "cajole" traces back to French verbs meaning to flatter or persuade. These French terms evolved from even older forms related to making a fuss over someone. Interestingly, "cajole" might be linked to birdsong, specifically the action of a jay. This connection stems from an older French word for "birdcage." The ultimate origin may shed light on the subtle nuances of the word.