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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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
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Raphael’s father could manage people below him but also, as a courtier who wrote an entire epic about the life and exploits of Duke Federico, flatter the powerful above him.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 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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Beal praised the work ethic of both Nixon and Montgomery.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
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The actor also praised William Shatner for having previously taken to social media to share his blessing for Wesley portraying the same character that Shatner originated in the initial series.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 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
-
Borissov conceded defeat and congratulated the election winner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
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The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday congratulated Radev on his election victory.—
Veselin Toshkov,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Declan Rice puffed his cheeks out for what could have been a world-record attempt in cheek-puffing.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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Its classic collar and V-neck, puff sleeves, and half placket front complement the ruffle swing hem, while subtle side seam pockets are super handy for holding phones or lip gloss.—
Alexandra Pereira,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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