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
-
After stroking a century at Perth in November as India captured the first Test, the legendary batsman then succumbed to uncertainty and the relentless probing of Pat Cummins’ team, scoring only 104 more runs in the next seven innings.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
Winner: Tie Titles and Text Premiere offers Photoshop-like control over title text formatting, with a vast number of adjustments and fonts such as kerning, leading, rotation, shadow, stroking, and tracking, just to name a few.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
6 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
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While some prominent Jews have praised Trump’s Harvard crackdown, many others say the administration’s actions appear more focused on damaging higher education than addressing the concerns of Jewish students.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
-
While many praised the video’s message and Rylie’s insightful approach, others criticized the mom for not sharing her specific experiences with her daughter.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Mayor James Demetriades applauded the board’s decision, and said his town’s schools and some of their students are being unfairly singled out.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
-
Despite Macchio feeling his skills were a little rough, Ripa and Consuelos plus the audience applauded for seeing the original Karate Kid in action.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Araujo, however, commended Marshall’s for his work ethic.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
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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
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Short bursts of revenue can flatter results but may not create lasting value, so make decisions with a long horizon in mind.—
Ayo Adepoju,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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It is designed with a tummy-control panel to smooth and flatter the figure, and the bandeau neckline and halter straps provide adjustable support.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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