as in praises
to praise too much
a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for butters up
Verb
-
Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Dec. 2025 -
This leave-in delivers serious hydration while helping repair past damage, says celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman, who praises its layer-friendly formula that works well with other products like gels and oils.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The center also has hydrotherapy chairs where athletes can lie as a jet of water, similar but much stronger than the jets in a jacuzzi, massages them.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Nov. 2025
-
In a viral video shared on Instagram last Sunday under the username @whiskeytoller, the gray kitty can be seen hanging around his brother, Oakley, as his mom massages the injured area, doing his best to show his love and support.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
On the communication system that reaches everyone, Krispel congratulates cast and crew on a good show, reminds them that curtain is at 7 tomorrow, asks them to drive safely.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
4 Dec. 2025
-
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Rider commends his acting teacher, Tony Greco, and his coach, Latarsha Rose, for the character work.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Praise, too In his report, Barofsky also commends the union for making some strides in compliance and reform during his monitorship.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
14 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The town applauds their arrival every April with the Migratory Bird Celebration, three days of bird banding, tours, and lectures.—
Kristy Christiansen,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Hilliker shouts as her family applauds them.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Research shows the risk of stroke also rises this time of year, and strokes present differently than heart attacks.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
17 Dec. 2025
-
In the video, the cat eventually curls up in a ball and continues purring as Li strokes her head.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Mia puffs up her body to look intimidating, as the googly-eyed statue stares back at her.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
My favorite is the Glasting Color Gloss, which has a reflective shine, a weightless feel, and long-lasting color that flatters everyone and makes everyone an evangelist for the line.—
Charlotte Cho,
Allure,
3 Jan. 2026
-
The structural silhouette of the Bridge Boot has a subtle triangular line of design that flatters the leg.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
30 Dec. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Butters up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butters%20up. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share