massage

verb

Definition of massagenext
as in to flatter
to praise too much a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 massage Luzon layered her signature 24-karat gold mask over a professional-use DNA mask, massaging the treatment to enhance absorption. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 My favorite moment to use to demonstrate Holmes’ willingness to massage the truth was the American Association for Clinical Chemistry meeting in 2016. — Matthew Herper, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026 Then, massage it in with your fingertips to ensure even absorption. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 20 Oct. 2026 The longer bristles can reach through the hair to massage the scalp, while the shorter ones help separate strands and work shampoo or conditioner through the hair. — Laura Sandroni, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
  1. stroke
  2. praise
  3. congratulate
  4. puff
  5. butter up
  6. flatter
Verb
  • White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • Trump praised O’Donnell’s positions on border security, taxes, and small businesses.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The MobLand actor was very diplomatic in his answer, generously praising the field of young stars who are up for the part.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Don’t ‘Bless Texas’ Killing Machine’ In his November 4 letter, Hood began by congratulating Hinojosa on her historic victory.
    — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Instead, the union congratulated the mayor-elect and said its president, Ricky Mendoza, had reached out to establish a dialogue with her.
    — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • The top should be a lovely deep gold and the pastry should be completely puffed up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Starting some two years ago, high-energy particles from heavier-than-usual solar activity puffed up this part of Earth’s atmosphere, hastening Swift’s demise.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of puff
Verb
  • Yet, this will take a great deal of finesse, including pushing through a bill in parliament by buttering up Lord Hawthorne (Hugh Bonneville), who is willing to trade his vote for a night out with Susie’s brother, Jack (Harry Goodwins).
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These packages, which often run into thousands of dollars, attract many celebrities and corporate buyers who see the Games as a chance to butter up clients or reward top performers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of butter up
Verb
  • But Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles manicurist, adds that the richness and depth of olive polish can also flatter square or stiletto nails.
    — Christina Middleton, Allure, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Peach, caramel and warm browns tend to flatter medium and tan complexions, while deeper complexions can turn to richer brown, cocoa and berry-influenced nudes.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

massacring
massage
massaged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about massage

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