soft-soap

1 of 2

verb

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsōp How to pronounce soft-soap (audio)
soft-soaped; soft-soaping; soft-soaps
Synonyms of soft-soapnext

transitive verb

: to soothe or persuade with flattery or blarney
soft-soaper
ˈsȯf(t)-ˌsō-pər How to pronounce soft-soap (audio)
noun

soft soap

2 of 2

noun

1
: a semifluid soap made especially from potassium hydroxide
2
: flattery

Synonyms

Verb

Noun

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Choose the Right Synonym for soft-soap

cajole, coax, soft-soap, blandish, wheedle mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions.

cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections.

cajoled him into cheating on the final exam

coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect.

coaxed the cat out of the tree

soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain.

politicians soft-soaping eligible voters

blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions.

legislators blandished with promises of support

wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading.

hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her

Examples of soft-soap in a Sentence

Verb she cunningly soft-soaped her parents into letting her go on the trip shrewd voters who know when a politician is trying to soft-soap them Noun a salesman who knows the value of soft soap in making a sale
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
So do her successes in soft-soaping some recalcitrant senators into supporting the mission’s funding. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1835, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft-soap was in the 15th century

Rhymes for soft-soap

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Browse Nearby Words

soft snap
soft-soap
soft soap
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Cite this Entry

“Soft-soap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-soap. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

soft soap

1 of 2 noun
1
: a partly liquid soap
2
: flattery sense 2

soft-soap

2 of 2 verb
ˈsȯf(t)-ˈsōp
: to soothe or coax with flattery
soft-soaper noun

Medical Definition

soft soap

noun
: soap of a semifluid consistency made principally with potash and having various medical uses (as in the treatment of skin diseases)
specifically : green soap
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