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
Warming the milk and butter up first helps to avoid any milk fat white spots on top of your decadent chocolate cake.
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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
Next, coat the bottom of a casserole dish with butter, place the potatoes in, and pat more butter up on top.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 23 Nov. 2021
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
But why was butter up 6% in March, while milk rose only 1.3%?
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 13 Apr. 2022
The producers even included a vegan baker in the mix, a woman who put her cakes without eggs or butter up against those ofher peers without missinga beat.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2021
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
Next, coat the bottom of a casserole dish with butter, place the potatoes in, and pat more butter up on top.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 23 Nov. 2021
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
But why was butter up 6% in March, while milk rose only 1.3%?
—Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN, 13 Apr. 2022
The producers even included a vegan baker in the mix, a woman who put her cakes without eggs or butter up against those ofher peers without missinga beat.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2021
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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Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, meanwhile, congratulated the U.S. president-elect.Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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The episode ends with Melissa returning to school the next day with crutches and a cast, and Lisa congratulates Gregory on diffusing Darnell’s act of aggression.Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The sun became hotter, and Spanish moss stroked the roof of the train.Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024
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In one video, Raymond filmed himself manipulating a woman’s eyelids and stroking her, according to court records.Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
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It’s recommended by the brand to massage it into the skin for at least 30 seconds or until the oil has been absorbed, two to three times daily for the course of three months.Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2024
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Pro tip: Use these globes for massaging your serums and cream onto your skin to promote absorption.AnaMaria Glavan, Allure, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
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In our review of the AirPods 4, our expert Tim Gideon praised the impressive bass response these earbuds deliver, as well as the hands-free Siri access and the possibility to use gestures to interact with the assistant.Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
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Read Article > Elon Musk spent Election Day on X praising men, amplifying anti-immigrant conspiracies, and accusing Democrats of voter fraud.Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Lawyers representing the plaintiffs applauded the judge's decision.Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
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Johnson applauds Harris' commitment to hire 14,000 behavioral health care workers in U.S. schools and warns of Trump's statements on withholding federal funding to schools that teach about the history of slavery.Monica Eng, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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That’s reflective of the current Pope Francis, who’s been largely commended for his liberal viewpoints.Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024
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Other commentators commended Trump for his move on social media.Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
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If Glenn Horowitz comes calling, should you be flattered or alarmed?Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
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The interior layout looks open for a tiny house and not too fussy, flattering the small space available.Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Butter up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/butter%20up. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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