as in to honey
to praise too much
a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss
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Recent Examples of butter up
In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across.
—
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Zelensky isn’t alone among prominent Ukrainians in trying to butter up Trump.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Warming the milk and butter up first helps to avoid any milk fat white spots on top of your decadent chocolate cake.
—Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2024
Griffin isn’t the only big-name boss to try and butter up workers by putting on an unforgettable party.
—Byorianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023
Ripple’s ongoing efforts to butter up the banking and corporate world have made the company, and by extension XRP, an object of hostility and derision among the rest of the crypto world.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune Crypto, 24 Mar. 2023
At the center: six cinnamon rolls that a candidate alleged had been used to butter up voters during the tight mayoral race in October.
—María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2023
Steele storms out, but Sarah stays behind to butter up the AG.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 21 Nov. 2022
Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Zelensky isn’t alone among prominent Ukrainians in trying to butter up Trump.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
Warming the milk and butter up first helps to avoid any milk fat white spots on top of your decadent chocolate cake.
—Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2024
Griffin isn’t the only big-name boss to try and butter up workers by putting on an unforgettable party.
—Byorianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023
Ripple’s ongoing efforts to butter up the banking and corporate world have made the company, and by extension XRP, an object of hostility and derision among the rest of the crypto world.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune Crypto, 24 Mar. 2023
At the center: six cinnamon rolls that a candidate alleged had been used to butter up voters during the tight mayoral race in October.
—María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2023
Steele storms out, but Sarah stays behind to butter up the AG.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 21 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for butter up
Verb
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Those harmonies — simultaneously honeyed and gravelly, providing just enough support without overshadowing, yet so powerful and full of potential — echoes Whitten.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
2 July 2024
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Enjoy flavored nuts, such as those that are candied, glazed, or honied, in moderation.—
Selene Yeager,
Health,
24 Feb. 2024
Verb
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Residents Dan Lee was among those who congratulated House as well as village clerk and trustee candidates who ran on the Clean House slate.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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After the 49ers won the AFC Championship against the Detroit Lions in January 2024, Mindy congratulated her husband in an Instagram reel that featured a montage of herself and their kids on the field.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The singer announced the news on his Instagram with a video of himself and his newborn daughter, holding his baby girl's hand and sweetly stroking her fingers.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Looking very Zen and somewhat Gwynn, the slugger stroked three singles in going to right field, center field and left field.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Indian women are taught by their mothers and grandmothers to massage oils into their hair from a young age.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
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Along these meridians are acupressure points that, when massaged in combination with stretching, may release muscular tension, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.—
Kayla Blanton,
Outside Online,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Vintage Year In another vintage year for CPH:FORUM, many industry delegates praised the high quality and variety of projects pitched.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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McKinley commented on Porsha’s post, praising her for putting the extravaganza together for their little one.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ackman applauded Trump’s decision to halt the levies for now, while others alleged the president overstepped his trade authority.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
16 Apr. 2025
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The leader applauds their courage and decision-making.—
Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Pascal commended Kaitlyn Dever, who joined Season 2 as the character Abby.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2025
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A number of fans and celebrity supporters commended her for speaking out about her faith and promoting prayer.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona Dortmund, Champions League finalists last year, have flattered to deceive this season.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Silky to the touch, this creamy formulation flatters all skin tones—the seemingly peachy-toned product dries down translucent and instantly smooths over the appearance of pores and fine lines.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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