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

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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

Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
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

Definition of fussing

Verb

People can get the stomach bug by eating and drinking food and water contaminated with poop.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Alcohol disrupts sleep, but drinking earlier may give your body more time to process it before bedtime, reducing its impact on sleep quality.

— Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 17 July 2026

Definition of drinking

Verb

The clearest early warning is heavy, frantic panting when a dog has not been exercising, along with drooling, red or dark gums, weakness or vomiting.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Isaacs said the symptoms of heat stress or heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, seizures or collapse.

— Renee Anderson, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of drooling

Verb

The Hill Country is especially prone to flooding issues because its steep slopes, shallow soils and exposed bedrock repel heavy rain instead of absorbing it.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
An economy that lowers unemployment by absorbing workers into jobs is building capacity.

— Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

The queen-sized bed remains grand without feeling imposing or taking up your entire bedroom, largely thanks to its lower headboard height and nearly invisible wooden legs.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Much was spoken about the positions Ronaldo was taking up in their opening game, often keeping himself offside when DR Congo pushed up the pitch.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of taking up

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Browse Nearby Words

sucking in

sucking (up)

sucking (up to)

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Style

“Sucking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucking%20%28up%29. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sucking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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