buttering up 1 of 2

noun

as in soft soap

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buttering up

2 of 2

verb

present participle of butter up
as in sucking (up to)
to praise too much a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 buttering up
Verb
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 The preview for The Muppet Show reveals special guest Sabrina Carpenter buttering up Miss Piggy backstage. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttering up
  1. soft soap
  2. praising
  3. sweet talk
  4. massaging
  5. fawning
  6. commending
  7. endearment
  8. stroking
Noun
  • People should wash any skin that comes into contact with the slurry with water and soft soap, before using a hand cream to avoid dryness and cracking.
    — Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 2 Sep. 2024
  • Founder and creative director Joy Cho’s lifestyle brand offers whimsical products, spanning bandages to soft soap, as well as regular editorial content online.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2021
Definition of soft soap
Verb
  • Trump did strike some notes of unity, praising the Secret Service and denouncing political violence.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Sandy Anderson, the chamber of commerce’s vice president of member services, kicked off the ribbon cutting by praising the market for its commitment to local businesses.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026
Definition of praising
Noun
  • Watch an encounter full of sweet talk, gaslighting and tension here.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Don’t fall for compliments that don’t feel genuine, and don’t be afraid to confront whatever’s beneath someone’s sweet talk.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
Definition of sweet talk
Verb
  • The peaceful massaging relaxation of these luxurious tubs can be a dream for many.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2026
  • Combined with massaging seats, powerful climate control and extensive sound insulation, the technology turns an unpleasant commute into something approaching a sensory deprivation chamber.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of massaging
Noun
  • Experts say that fawning is a stress response that some teens use to appease the people around them.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 5 July 2026
  • The fawning didn’t get him very far.
    — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Definition of fawning
Verb
  • Reactions to Graves’ retirement Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke at the Thursday press conference, commending Graves for her leadership.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The meteorologist’s followers are commending her for her environmentally friendly practice.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of commending
Noun
  • Turns out, this is a term of endearment, not an insult.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • Erinn referenced the same term of endearment in her Instagram post, which featured 20 photos of the couple throughout their relationship.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Definition of endearment
Verb
  • There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.
    — Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
  • Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of stroking

Browse Nearby Words

butteries
buttering up
butters up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buttering up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttering%20up. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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