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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucking (up)
Verb
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Ever the dedicated mother, Stacy runs to her adult daughter’s aid, fussing at her for not using a driver for her errands.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026 -
Your son is fussing in his car seat.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There was an increase in drinking from 2021 to 2023 among San Diego Unified high school students, especially those 18 and older.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2026
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Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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This pitching matchup will have the purists drooling.—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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Familiarize yourself with common signs of heat intolerance, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness or blueish gums.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Verb
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South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a mistake earlier that led to Mexico's goal and 1-0 lead, but Kim just kept his team down just one goal after saving a hard shot in the 71st minute by absorbing a hard shot from Raúl Jiménez to his chest and face.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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The specialty sneakers are designed with a shock-absorbing sole to alleviate pressure and strain on your heels and joints by minimizing the impact of your steps.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Since taking up farming in 2019, Clarkson has become an outspoken agriculture advocate who has railed against the government’s decision to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
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Some states are taking up the issue.—
Gretchen Morgenson,
NBC news,
10 June 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 21 Jun. 2026.
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