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
The best part is that it can be used on bare or painted nails—even just massaging your cuticles and nail beds can provide results.
—
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Lightly massaging the area of application may further help relax muscles and stimulate circulation.
—T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2026
Multi-setting showerheads, like most of those made today, have a wide array of choices to select from, ranging from powerful, massaging force to gentle rain and rinsing or even misting.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Not everyone knew what a prostate was, or why anyone would want to massage one.
—Ben Mezrich, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
Lightly massaging the area of application may further help relax muscles and stimulate circulation.
—T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2026
Multi-setting showerheads, like most of those made today, have a wide array of choices to select from, ranging from powerful, massaging force to gentle rain and rinsing or even misting.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Not everyone knew what a prostate was, or why anyone would want to massage one.
—Ben Mezrich, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
Verb
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Many will feel this probability still flatters Arteta’s side, especially after City went top on Wednesday, but as discussed, Arsenal hold the edge in fixture difficulty.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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It’s made from a blend of polyester and spandex, which results in a feather-light weight and a slightly stretchy silhouette to flatter your figure.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In her first varsity at-bat the next day against Lincoln-Way Central, Krauchun stroked a single up the middle.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
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Ferrer then went back to the sinker, placed the 98 mph pitch on the outside edge of the plate and Merrill stroked it to left, clearing the bases for a walk-off win in front the remnants of a sellout crowd of 46,095.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Birds aren’t the only ones who love this design; many reviewers can’t stop praising its functionality and aesthetic.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2026
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Some of Will and Kate's Instagram followers picked up on the polish, praising the parents for allowing their daughter to buck unspoken traditions that call for muted, demure nails.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
2 May 2026
Verb
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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
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Some buttering up in your prompt can likely produce this.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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Sometimes, the crowd at a nearby ballpark will issue a rousing cheer – as if congratulating you on a hike well done.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
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When students redeem their award, the restaurant manager will congratulate them and give them a colorful BJ's Awesome Achievement silicone bracelet.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Verb
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Bake for 30 to 35 mins, switching the positions of the trays about halfway through, until the knots are puffed up and golden.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
2 May 2026
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The gently puffed sleeves offer a unique silhouette, and the knit detailing adds extra flair.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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