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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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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Keep beverages and sweets covered, and be wary of drinking from soda cans outdoors since wasps can crawl inside.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The protagonist then goads him into drinking enough to agree to spending the afternoon at her lake house.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The shock-absorbing material reduces stress on joints, while a snug, streamlined design prevents them from slipping off.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Through a combination of buttery-smooth fabric, mighty arch support, impact-absorbing memory foam, and the kind of curved, rocker-like outsole that doles out both traction and momentum on any surface.—
Rudolf Obias,
Footwear News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even a small amount, whether inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can lead to drooling, vomiting, tremors, or difficulty breathing.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2026
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His first swing of spring training showcased the kind of pop that has kept the Yankees drooling.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Rather than having cluttered and mismatched products taking up precious space, Hamid recommends unifying products.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
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Parking and taking up numerous spots is obviously an issue.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2026.
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