KISS UP TO Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

kiss up to

phrase

Definition of kiss up to

as in curry favor

to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior He was always kissing up to his professors.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for kiss up to

curry favor

Phrase

Some saw this as a move to curry favor with Elon Musk, whose satellite service, Starlink, Milei mentioned by name in his announcement.

— Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
To some critics, their public manifestos appeared aimed at currying favor with investors ahead of their public listings and the midterm elections, when the political tides could turn with many voters opposed to data centers.

— Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of curry favor

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.

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kiss-offs

kiss up to

kit

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“Kiss up to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kiss%20up%20to. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of kiss up to

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