butter up

verb

Definition of butter upnext
as in to honey
to praise too much a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss

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 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
  1. honey
  2. congratulate
  3. stroke
  4. massage
  5. praise
  6. applaud
  7. commend
  8. flatter
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
  • According to outlets, including Maine broadcast station WMTW, Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight to congratulate him for his win.
    — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Sorrells congratulated Burks on her victory and said his office will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.
    — Emerson Clarridge Updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of congratulate
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
  • The light-reflecting complex immediately illuminates to wake up tired eyes as the special cooling metal applicator helps massage away puffiness.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The brand recommends using it morning and night by massaging it in upward strokes over the face and neck to maximize the benefits.
    — Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of massage
Verb
  • Trump praised O’Donnell’s positions on border security, taxes, and small businesses.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The MobLand actor was very diplomatic in his answer, generously praising the field of young stars who are up for the part.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Everyone in the audience was laughing and applauding, thinking Molière’s intense coughing fit was comedic gold, until their laughter turned to horror.
    — Gates McFadden, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Fans applauded while a tribute video that the Pelicans produced for McCollum played on the videoboards above the court.
    — Brett Martel, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • But Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles manicurist, adds that the richness and depth of olive polish can also flatter square or stiletto nails.
    — Christina Middleton, Allure, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Peach, caramel and warm browns tend to flatter medium and tan complexions, while deeper complexions can turn to richer brown, cocoa and berry-influenced nudes.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

butters up
butter up
buttery
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Cite this Entry

“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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