as in sucking (up to)
to praise too much
a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in soft soap
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
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
-
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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Kardashian was joined by her 69-year-old momager, Kris Jenner, who opted for a brighter look in a butter yellow Givenchy belted blazer-style mini dress.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Stir in white chocolate and butter microwave in 15-second intervals, until melted.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While praising Keaton as a performer, Meyers, who wrote Baby Boom and the Father of the Bride films and wrote and directed Something’s Gotta Give, looked back on their close working relationship.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
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The Republican president also used the opportunity to settle political scores and thank his supporters, criticizing Democratic predecessors and praising a top donor, Miriam Adelson, in the audience.—
Darlene Superville,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 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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After commending leaders for their work, the president spoke of changes being made at the Pentagon, including the decision to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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Cozens’ former teammate Kyle Okposo took to Cozens right away, even commending the youngster for his leadership skills.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
24 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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One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
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But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
20 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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