as in soft soap
Related Words
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Dissimilar Words
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttering up
Noun
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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 -
Most of the questions aimed at the ironic American director of Raging Bull, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas were less softballs than soft soap, with reporters as interested in Scorsese’s favorite food — his mother’s lasagna recipe — as the movies in his peerless filmography.—
Scott Roxborough,
The Hollywood Reporter,
20 Feb. 2024
Noun
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In just 10 minutes, and with a few staples (onions, cheese, butter), this warm and comforting casserole can save the day.—
Krissy Tiglias,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Michael also whipped up a fancy compound butter.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Perry officially kicked off the screening by praising his star Shannon Thornton, best known for her role as Miss Mississippi on Katori Hall’s hit Starz show P-Valley.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Patteron burst out laughing and praising her roast.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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
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The odds are that such sweet talk is going to inevitably run out or at least be intermittent.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Simply moisten the skin on the face and massaging the formula in circular motions.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
7 Oct. 2025
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Create some suspense and anticipation by going in slowly, starting with the head and just massaging it slightly with the tip of your tongue.—
Ian Kumamoto,
Them.,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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According to Gaiani, drinking or using drugs before social situations is a major sign that your teen may be using alcohol to cope with fawning and to feel more comfortable or confident.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Praise abounded for the 36-year-old, with three fellow veterans commending Rojas not just for his play, but also for his demeanor.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Fort Worth school board trustee Tobi Jackson, whose district overlapped with Bivens’, also put out a call for prayer while commending Bivens on her years of service to the city.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Daley’s mother even made a pot of jam to give to Doherty and brought it to Jamaica with him to give as a present — which Doherty said is a gesture of endearment among the Scots.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2025
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The singer references the term of endearment — along with another name, honey – on the 11th track.—
Jeff Nelson,
PEOPLE,
3 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Buttering up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttering%20up. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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