SUCKING (UP) Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

sucking (up)

verb

Definition of sucking (up)

present participle of suck (up)

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

as in soaking (up)

to take in (something liquid) through small openings these lilacs sucked up all the water I added to the vase yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucking (up)

Verb

Similar to Egypt after its collapse earlier in the week, Switzerland exited fussing about the officiating.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Definition of fussing

Verb

For chemicals classified as possible human carcinogens, MCLGs are typically set at a level where drinking the water daily for 70 years would cause one additional cancer case per 1 million people above the background rate.

— Christine Kirchhoff, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
Traditionally, mate is passed around a group, with friends and family members often drinking from the same bombilla.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of drinking

Verb

Some of the signs of overheating include heavy panting or drooling, a rapid pulse, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, difficulty standing, vomiting or diarrhea and a fever.

— Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 July 2026
If your pet is vomiting, drooling, showing weakness or having trouble swallowing or breathing, head directly to a veterinary hospital.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

Definition of drooling

Verb

The Works is a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer for your body in any stage, helping to hydrate and tone, boost elasticity, tighten crepiness, and replenish texture.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
On the road, the bZ’s suspension prioritizes ride comfort over corner-carving theatrics, absorbing rough pavement pretty well while maintaining enough body control to avoid feeling too floaty.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

Indeed, so much so that there are suggestions that the people from better-off backgrounds are taking up many of the limited number of places.

— Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Gen Z is taking up analog hobbies, ditching dating apps and spending real time at the mall again.

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Definition of taking up

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.

Browse Nearby Words

sucking in

sucking (up)

sucking (up to)

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sucking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucking%20%28up%29. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sucking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

highfalutin

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes