MASSAGE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

massage

verb

Definition of massage

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

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 Top Plays from Bears @ Titans To be clear, the first version will likely be revised and massaged before the Bears arrive at their first meaningful practice of Week 1. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour marinade over them; seal and massage to coat chicken. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 Other things to prevent damage prior to wearing stilettos can include stretching or massaging the arches of your foot. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Angela Castro, the director of housekeeping at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, recommends gently massaging the filling by hand to redistribute it. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for massage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage

Verb

But Kim stroked a walk-off single into left field in the ninth inning off Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott to give the Atlanta Braves a 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Wednesday night.

— Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of stroke

Verb

Last week, Lucas praised the team for offering to cover the debt costs, reducing the risk to the city budget.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
In its reporting, Southern Living magazine praised the fan-favorite destination for its charming downtown and proximity to scenic views.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

When Reddick won the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell and chief operating officer Ben Kennedy were among the first to congratulate Jordan, the trio embracing in a hall outside Jordan’s suite.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
But for now, let’s all giggle at how fully Naheim ignored Bryan when going to congratulate Jude.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

Ever since the German medical scientist Franz Hermann Müller published solid evidence of a link between smoking and lung cancer in 1939, the health risks of puffing on tobacco have only become clearer.

— Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
Bake until the focaccia is set and slightly puffed and registers an internal temperature of 190°F, 18 to 22 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of puff

Verb

Yet, this will take a great deal of finesse, including pushing through a bill in parliament by buttering up Lord Hawthorne (Hugh Bonneville), who is willing to trade his vote for a night out with Susie’s brother, Jack (Harry Goodwins).

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
These packages, which often run into thousands of dollars, attract many celebrities and corporate buyers who see the Games as a chance to butter up clients or reward top performers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of butter up

Verb

Style them with a maxi skirt, a tank top layered underneath a cropped trench coat, and a flattering pair of sunglasses for the ideal transitional weather outfit.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026
Booking reports in dollars but earns mostly in other currencies, and a weak dollar flattered early-year headline growth by several points.

— Isabella Gao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

massacring

massage

massaged

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“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of massage

verb

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