massage

verb

Definition of massagenext
as in to flatter
to praise too much a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of massage The 2027 Silverado gets a broader, more muscular face, a new grille and redesigned LED lighting, while the bodywork has been massaged to make the truck look even more substantial. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 These included cleaning, caring for Chong’s children and massaging his feet without pay, 7NEWS reported. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 While there are no general downsides to using a body scrub, the dermatologists warn not to massage them too roughly into skin. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
  1. stroke
  2. praise
  3. congratulate
  4. puff
  5. butter up
  6. flatter
Verb
  • White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • Supporters, including Catholic and Orthodox Jewish school advocates and Democrats for Education Reform, praised the move.
    — Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Global Reach, an advocacy group that works to free Americans detained abroad and currently represents five Americans held in Russia, praised the release but called for the other prisoners to come home as well.
    — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • The tragedy unfolded just one day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • How Mana got his start A young man walking on Flagler recognized Mana and stopped to shake his hand, congratulating him on the recent billion-dollar sale in Wynwood.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Hutch sat with his back against the palm, eyes puffed and closed.
    — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Uncover and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is puffed and appears dry, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of puff
Verb
  • Yet, this will take a great deal of finesse, including pushing through a bill in parliament by buttering up Lord Hawthorne (Hugh Bonneville), who is willing to trade his vote for a night out with Susie’s brother, Jack (Harry Goodwins).
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These packages, which often run into thousands of dollars, attract many celebrities and corporate buyers who see the Games as a chance to butter up clients or reward top performers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of butter up
Verb
  • Making casual clothes look luxurious was hardly new, but Cucinelli did it in a way that flattered changing body shapes while establishing an instantly recognizable aesthetic.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Others, like Robert Rubsam in Vulture, have noted plenty of books that spotlight straight men, but in a less-than-flattering light.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

massacring
massage
massaged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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