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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of massage
Interlace the fingers of one hand with the toes of the opposite foot and gently massage the bottom of your feet with the thumb of your free hand.
—
Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
Avoid rubbing or massaging the area because this could spread the toxin throughout your body.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
To use it, massage up to nine drops on the top and sides of your head and ta-da, your part is done.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 4 June 2025
The doctor propped my chin in her slender hand, pricked the top of my nose twice, massaged the area for a few moments, and then added an additional drop to the side of my nose to help disguise the asymmetry.
—Alice Gregory, Vogue, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for massage
Andee Tagle, NPR, 7 June 2025
Avoid rubbing or massaging the area because this could spread the toxin throughout your body.
—Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
To use it, massage up to nine drops on the top and sides of your head and ta-da, your part is done.
—Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 4 June 2025
The doctor propped my chin in her slender hand, pricked the top of my nose twice, massaged the area for a few moments, and then added an additional drop to the side of my nose to help disguise the asymmetry.
—Alice Gregory, Vogue, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
Verb
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Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
27 June 2025
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It's been widely regarded as one of the best films in the franchise since Lucasfilm was bought by Disney in 2012, a claim that Edwards is flattered by, but doesn't accept.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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In the now-viral video, Otis lies limp and unimpressed while his dad, Jake, strokes his leg with a concerned arm around him.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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These conversations showed me how easily a line of code can stroke an ego, calm anxiety, and mimic devotion.—
Cathy Hackl,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Allow yourself to be seen, praised, or even vulnerable.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
30 June 2025
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In the days since the video was shared online, TikTok users have praised Row's husband for being so patient.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Add butter and pulse in or use a fork to break butter up into pea-size pieces.—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
21 May 2025
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In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Among those congratulating Affleck on Instagram are her Mormon Wives co-stars, and fellow moms-to-be Mayci Neeley and Mikayla Matthews.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
3 July 2025
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Keynote speaker and commanding officer Marine Corps Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah shared his personal journey as a son of parents who immigrated from Ghana and congratulated the troops.—
David J. Bohnet,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 July 2025
Verb
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The best keratosis pilaris treatment products, at a glance This one ranked best overall for its elite combination of chemical and physical exfoliants (pumice puffing beads) that leave the skin exceptionally smooth and bright.—
Talia Abbas,
Glamour,
23 June 2025
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None of this is pedantic, nor is it puffed up with moral outrage.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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