as in soft soap
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Dissimilar Words
as in sucking (up to)
to praise too much
a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss
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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
-
Non-flesh products, like milk, cheese, butter and eggs are not prohibited during Lent.—
Faith Bugenhagen,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
In 2024, Americans reportedly set a new record for butter consumption.—
Anna Grace Lee,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many artists and organizations have shared tributes and fond memories following Bowman’s passing, praising not only his musical excellence, but his friendship and generosity.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Bill Plaschke spoke a quiet and perhaps unintended truth in his column praising the competitiveness of the World Baseball Classic.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 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
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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
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Front-row seats offer 30-way adjustability and massaging capabilities.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
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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Braun also issued a proclamation commending TPUSA's dedication to free speech and calling all schools to facilitate chapters.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The family of Virginia Giuffre issued a statement commending authorities for arresting the former prince.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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 25 Mar. 2026.
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