1
as in currying favor
to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior
a young lieutenant constantly sucking up to the commanding officer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucking (up)
Verb
-
Your son is fussing in his car seat.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026 -
Emma looked around, confused at the adults fussing around him and too young, perhaps, to grasp the severity of the scene.—
Maeva Bambuck,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Who wants to close out the week in Guadalajara drinking the finest tequila on earth, or eating through the buzzing dining scene of Chicago?—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Feb. 2026
-
There is also some evidence that drinking lemon water could regulate blood sugar.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Legacy software companies, not workers, are absorbing the real shock.—
David Stout,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
For a man who spent years absorbing hits from some of the biggest, fastest athletes on the planet in the NFL, comparing bobsledding to being back on the football field speaks volumes about the forces involved in the sport.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But neither is drooling on your neighbor’s shoulder.—
Adam Cheung,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
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This indulgent treat already has fans drooling—and many Costco members have been running to their local bakeries to see if the Cookie Bar Cake is still in stock.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Instead of taking up that bill, the House Budget Committee offers its own.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Recycle them and enjoy not having as much paper taking up space in your home!—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sucking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucking%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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