as in stroked
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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Recent Examples of massaged
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Myricks then applied it on the back of her hand and evenly massaged the product around the face, focusing on areas with texture or larger pores.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The other two guys, who are wearing undies when not getting massaged, are giving the lightest and most cursory of touches to either the shoulders or the calves.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The sturdy grooved leaves seem tough at first but, like your back after a trip to the chiropractor, relax and open up once they’re heartily massaged.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual.
—Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Those of us without earplugs stupidly massaged our jaws, heads tilted, eyelids quivering, listening to overtones through our teeth.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Myricks then applied it on the back of her hand and evenly massaged the product around the face, focusing on areas with texture or larger pores.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The other two guys, who are wearing undies when not getting massaged, are giving the lightest and most cursory of touches to either the shoulders or the calves.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The sturdy grooved leaves seem tough at first but, like your back after a trip to the chiropractor, relax and open up once they’re heartily massaged.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual.
—Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Those of us without earplugs stupidly massaged our jaws, heads tilted, eyelids quivering, listening to overtones through our teeth.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massaged
Verb
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Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
Sarah Moss,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s allies have always stroked his ego to get their way.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Super Men, the inside story of the 2015 Carolina Panthers, earned national recognition in the projects category and was commended for excellence in video.—
Charlotte Observer staff report,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Miller concurred and commended Superintendent David Buck on his communication with board members in the lead-up to the protests.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the fast response by police and rescuers.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Abel praised several of Berkshire’s companies like Geico and Precision Castparts, but said that BNSF needs to improve significantly because its profits lag behind other railroads and its utilities need to deal with the risks associated with wildfire liabilities.—
Josh Funk,
Fortune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The audience whooped and applauded.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In the front row, Paul McCartney — former Beatle, eternal rock star, proud father — applauded.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, D-Tracy, who is the chair of the Assembly Emergency Management Committee congratulated Thomas Jacobs in a Tuesday statement.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Fraternity members congratulated each winner and posed for group photos with their full carts.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massaged. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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