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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With five blades sandwiched between two moisturizing bars, this razor speeds up the entire process (no fussing around with shaving cream), nourishing dry skin and making nicks a rare occurrence.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025 -
This was the mid 1980s and tandem skydiving hadn’t been popularized yet, so his father, Roger, adjusted accordingly by stuffing carpet padding into the leg pads to stop him from fussing.—
Angelina Liu,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To manage your thirst, try limiting your salt intake, drinking enough water throughout the day, and regulating your bedroom temperature.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
23 Oct. 2025
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Then last year, Tuco started drinking more water than usual.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Overwater your money tree, and its roots will drown and rot because sodden soil prevents the roots from absorbing oxygen and nutrients from the soil.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Oct. 2025
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Small vendors are forced to choose between raising prices and losing clients, absorbing the expenses (killing margins), or purchasing more inventory prior to tariff rises (tying up capital).—
Vitalii Savryha,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Naturally, the post attracted over 16,000 comments of women drooling over him.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 Oct. 2025
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Well, then it’s being stolen right out from under its retracting proboscis, which is actually just another drooling head that lives in its mouth.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Pair it with jeans, dress, midi skirts—pretty much anything, really—for an instantly polished look that adds an extra layer of warmth without taking up precious space in your luggage.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Oct. 2025
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The teacher opted to try taking up the carpet herself on the last day of school, but later submitted a work order after the job turned out to be too difficult to complete herself, the letter reads.—
JENNAH PENDLETON,
Sacbee.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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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 29 Oct. 2025.
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