BUTTERED UP Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

buttered up

verb

past tense of butter up

as in congratulated

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttered up

Verb

Reaction to the retirement announcement In a news release, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas congratulated Graves on her pending retirement.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Kaye congratulated the client and a wave of applause filled the courtroom.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of congratulated

Verb

Not long ago, a senile American president’s plan to lead democracies in a battle with autocracies was being applauded by post-1989 Atlanticists such as Anne Applebaum and Adam Michnik.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
These efforts are to be applauded, but housing affordability issues exist throughout the United States, particularly in nonmetropolitan areas.

— Monitor Reader, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026

Definition of applauded

Verb

Despite heartbreaking moments, like MJ not remembering him, the movie is praised for its emotional depth, action, and Tom Holland's irreplaceable portrayal, culminating in a bittersweet ending where a handshake offers a glimmer of hope.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

But others also commended her for protecting Barron, even if that means protecting him from those close to him.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 21 July 2026
On Saturday, Reeve commended the team’s centers but found the guards struggling to make anything work on the defensive end.

— Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026

Definition of commended

Verb

Words have been parsed over, ideas about location, production design, costume, lighting have all been carefully massaged even up to the day of photography.

— Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Deirdre massaged my limbs while the cups went to work on my perpetually achy upper back.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of massaged

Verb

Sleeves continue to dominate the trend cycle, and blouses with balloon or puffed sleeves go particularly well with granny jeans.

— René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 July 2026
Featuring a delicate lace trim, a V-neckline, buttons up the front, and lightly puffed sleeves, this top is beyond gorgeous.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

Definition of puffed

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Browse Nearby Words

butter

buttered up

butterfingered

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“Buttered up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttered%20up. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buttered up

verb

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