as in soft soap
Related Words
Relevance
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
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
Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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
Noun
-
Practical self-care items such as thick lotions, face masks and soft soaps that don’t irritate skin. Pragmatic.—
Ellen T. Meiser,
The Conversation,
5 Dec. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Conditioning ingredients like provitamin B5 and mango butter help lashes feel soft and flexible.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Now the pair are filling the former Slab space with trout that swims in chive beurre blanc; burgers crowned with a range of French cheeses; and expertly made baguettes that receive smears of butter d’Isigny.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, some progressive allies rushed to denounce Israel’s military response while either praising or refusing to condemn Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Hearts have melted online after a scared rescue dog bravely faced her fear in order to join her owner, with many viewers praising her unquestionable courage and determination.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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
Verb
-
The easy-to-use roller design features a cooling metal applicator that gently glides across the neck's contours, massaging the lightweight formula into skin without pulling or tugging skin.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Front-row seats offer 30-way adjustability and massaging capabilities.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Bhattacharya has visited the Atlanta campus, sent emails commending the CDC staff and thanking them for their work, and extended telework accommodations in his first weeks on the job.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
-
District 4 Councilmember Jaceey Sebastian and Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs both issued statements commending the South Fulton Police Department's swift response and expressing condolences to the families of the victims.—
CBS News Atlanta Staff,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With hair bleached a garish blond and her saucer eyes rolling insolently at sensitive Philip (Leslie Howard) and his endearments, Bette Davis plays W. Somerset Maugham's caustic cockney waitress at full throttle and without an iota of warmth.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Their friendship has even inspired fans to coin their names as a term of endearment.—
Grace Gavilanes,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buttering up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttering%20up. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
