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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Factors like drinking alcohol and swimming in choppy surf can turn a routine swim into something dangerous.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
23 Apr. 2026
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Limited research suggests drinking turmeric milk a few days after a workout may reduce muscle soreness.—
Megan Nunn,
Verywell Health,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The chewy grains and tiny legumes provide a sturdy base, absorbing all the flavors of the warm harissa-spiked dressing without going limp.—
Rebecca Firkser,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
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The plants serve as a physical barrier against dirty air, absorbing chemicals into their cells and collecting particles with their leaves, according to the researchers.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Predators respond with head shaking, gaping, drooling, and frantic licking.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
13 Apr. 2026
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But Cremily won over teams and venues with a story worth drooling over.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bishop famously pivoted from studying physics at the University of Chicago on a scholarship to taking up the blues and joining the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Other examples can be seen in the deliberate way Flick sprung to Raphinha’s defence back in December, taking up the topic of the Brazilian’s lack of individual recognition despite not having been asked about it.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2026.
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