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 Deirdre massaged my limbs while the cups went to work on my perpetually achy upper back. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 It's massaged into place before the incision is then stitched up. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 Witt appeared to massage the inside of his knee and then, after being examined, remained in the game for the third out of the inning. — Kansas City Star, 19 June 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
  • There are many outcomes that stroke our ego — a distribution deal, a theater count, a Rotten Tomatoes score, impressions or even followers on social media.
    — Daren Smith, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
  • Medina cuts the ball back, Almada dummies it intelligently and, when the ball reaches him, Messi has enough space to stroke a first-time shot into the net.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • Messi praised Yamal as a top talent during an event with Fanatics in between the respective press conferences.
    — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • Clement, whose own All-Star rise was influenced by Mattingly, praised his former coach's success, noting his reunion with his son, the Phillies' general manager.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Postmatch, the king of Spain, King Felipe VI, was one of the first to congratulate La Roja on snapping the 16-year drought.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, released a statement congratulating Nordone’s nomination.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • For cigar aficionados, the outdoor Cigar Terrace is the place to puff on a Havana from the bar’s humidor while listening to live jazz band performances in the evenings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
  • Decapitated, the fairy of Smoking with Oneself (2021–26) puffs a cigarette from the gaping red maw of her throat.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of puff
Verb
  • As the lots rolled by, Mosoff watched quietly, still fortified by the exclusive tasting laid on to butter up bidders prior to the action.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 25 May 2026
  • Ben spends the afternoon buttering up Ellie and praising her cake-icing skills, and even gives her the task of decorating the wedding cake.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of butter up
Verb
  • It’s designed with a delicate open round toe that flatters the feet.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
  • Article’s Kempel bench is universally flattering for almost any outdoor style with its classic look and sturdy acacia wood build.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on massage

Nglish: Translation of massage for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about massage

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