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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of massage
Creams should be massaged along part lines using about one to two teaspoons for full scalp coverage.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Use the pads of your fingers or a clean, white cloth to massage the liquid soap into the stain.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
With a light, foaming gel texture, the cleanser can be used morning and night—massage it into the skin using gentle, circular motions for the best results.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for massage
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Use the pads of your fingers or a clean, white cloth to massage the liquid soap into the stain.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
With a light, foaming gel texture, the cleanser can be used morning and night—massage it into the skin using gentle, circular motions for the best results.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
Verb
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Advertisement Jonathan Cake in And Just Like That Season 3, Episode 7 Craig Blankenhorn—HBO Max Now, maybe Duncan is trying to flatter his way into Carrie’s conveniently nearby bed.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
11 July 2025
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In more challenging games, however, the side often flatters to deceive and occasionally slips up, as a narrow 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors and 0-1 loss to Benfica showed.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Facing two strikes, Ramírez stroked a single off reliever Jared Koenig into left field, bringing home two runs.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
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In central Gaza, a boy stroked the face of his dead sister, 6-year-old Heba Abu Etiwi, in a morgue at Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Gadd acknowledged disappointment over losing Jones’ contribution, praising the actor’s exceptional work and noting audiences would miss seeing his full performance range.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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We’re praised for being caring, warm, and vulnerable, but only until those same qualities make someone else uncomfortable.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images Anderson, currently a free agent, could be buttering up the Commanders to get a contract offer, but there is some truth to his statement.—
Victor Williams,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 July 2025
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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
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 19 Jul. 2025.
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