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
Add butter and pulse in or use a fork to break butter up into pea-size pieces.
—
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 21 May 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
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
Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 21 May 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for butter up
Verb
-
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
-
Enjoy flavored nuts, such as those that are candied, glazed, or honied, in moderation.—
Selene Yeager,
Health,
24 Feb. 2024
Verb
-
A couple of the guys congratulated me [on this award], which felt really, really good.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
-
Niles North Principal Marlon Felton, in his first year as the school’s principal, congratulated the class of 2025 in his encouraging remarks to them and their families.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Interacting with a pet, such as stroking them, can ease the mind and boost the sense of tranquility.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
-
His purpose is solely to stroke his outsized, narcissistic ego to compete with other authoritarian countries such as Russia and North Korea.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
Then massage it onto a clean scalp before bedtime and rinse it out the next morning.—
Jenn Barthole,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
-
The vibrator features 12 intensity levels and is designed with Pleasure Air Technology that utilizes air vibrations to suck and massage the clitorus, keeping it stimulated without direct contact.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
But authorities were praised for their quick response to the incident and swift updates.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 May 2025
-
Debatable, but then again, who doesn’t like being praised.—
Anna Juul,
The Dial,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Some members of the nuclear industry applauded the reform.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
23 May 2025
-
After the change was announced, Horne applauded the decision.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Araujo, however, commended Marshall’s for his work ethic.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
-
Elsewhere in the interview, Lauper commended Chappell Roan, who several critics have likened to Lauper as Roan has made her ascent to pop superstardom over the past year.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
Anything can happen in knock-out football but this River Plate team has flattered to deceive too often in recent times.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
The relaxed fit option is available in all sizes in the bright pink passionate colorway, and like the original Define, features a high neck for wind protection (or the airplane air conditioning), thumb holes, zipper pockets, and contouring boning that flatters all body types.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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