BUTTER UP Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

butter up

verb

Definition of butter up

as in to honey

to praise too much a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss

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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 butter up Ben spends the afternoon buttering up Ellie and praising her cake-icing skills, and even gives her the task of decorating the wedding cake. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026 After being buttered up, the AI or the evildoer lures them into the evil intricacies. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images Anderson, currently a free agent, could be buttering up the Commanders to get a contract offer, but there is some truth to his statement. — Victor Williams, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 The preview for The Muppet Show reveals special guest Sabrina Carpenter buttering up Miss Piggy backstage. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for butter up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for butter up

Verb

The mouthfeel is thick, chewy, and honeyed, with a hint of marzipan.

— Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.

— Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025

Definition of honey

Verb

When Reddick won the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell and chief operating officer Ben Kennedy were among the first to congratulate Jordan, the trio embracing in a hall outside Jordan’s suite.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
But for now, let’s all giggle at how fully Naheim ignored Bryan when going to congratulate Jude.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

But Kim stroked a walk-off single into left field in the ninth inning off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night.

— Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of stroke

Verb

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

Definition of massage

Verb

Last week, Lucas praised the team for offering to cover the debt costs, reducing the risk to the city budget.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
In its reporting, Southern Living magazine praised the fan-favorite destination for its charming downtown and proximity to scenic views.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

The group People Not Politicians Missouri, which sponsored the redistricting referendum, applauded the Supreme Court decisions that left the state court ruling in place.

— DAVID A. LIEB, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
When Volpe walked to the plate for his first at-bat, the crowd applauded loudly.

— Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of applaud

Verb

Booking reports in dollars but earns mostly in other currencies, and a weak dollar flattered early-year headline growth by several points.

— Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Said bows were worn undone, tapping into Waterhouse’s rock star aesthetic that is slightly disheveled but always flattering.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

butters up

butter up

buttery

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“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of butter up

verb

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13 Breakfast Foods That Are Also Verbs

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Synonyms of butter up

verb

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Cite this Entry

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