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
Badly run local governments, keen to massage numbers as well as find avenues for the huge oversupply of concrete and steel, compounded the problem.
—
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
To heat, microwave in short intervals, massaging the rice around in between.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026
In October 2018, a student told her school counselor and then Hiner that Agan had come up behind her and started massaging her neck beneath her long hair.
—Holly McDede, ProPublica, 12 May 2026
Another potential treatment route the study opens up is using machines to massage cancer cells, imitating the rhythmic beating of the heart.
—Anil Oza, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
To heat, microwave in short intervals, massaging the rice around in between.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026
In October 2018, a student told her school counselor and then Hiner that Agan had come up behind her and started massaging her neck beneath her long hair.
—Holly McDede, ProPublica, 12 May 2026
Another potential treatment route the study opens up is using machines to massage cancer cells, imitating the rhythmic beating of the heart.
—Anil Oza, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
Verb
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Moreover, the turmoil has become a top news story in itself, with competing narratives flying — none of them flattering to CBS News.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
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The empire waist is flattering, while the adjustable straps make this one easy to customize.—
Cassie Gill,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Mihyia Davis stroked the next pitch off Slimp’s glove in left for a double and Williams moved to third.—
Tim Willert,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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After a popout to second by first baseman Jordan Woolery, shortstop Aleena Garcia stroked an RBI single to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Anything Oprah repeatedly praises immediately piques my interest, but even more so when her favorites are podiatrist favorites.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
30 May 2026
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In a post on X on May 29, Shriver marked what would have been Kennedy's 109th birthday by praising the court's ruling against efforts to rename the cultural institution.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Hurts did not change his description of their relationship when asked about it in his first news conference of the offseason and congratulated Brown on his wedding.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
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In a brief speech after Qualls earned the endorsement, Demuth did not congratulate him.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Oprah's dress is equal parts airy and elegant, thanks to a half-button front, billowy pleated midi skirt, puff sleeves, and a belted waist.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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Vermiculite, a fine, puffed, gold flecks mica, which helps with drainage.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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