as in stroked
to praise too much
a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected
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Recent Examples of massaged
The main specific risk is the potential for nodules or granulomas (small bumps) forming under the skin, especially if improperly placed or massaged.
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Myricks then applied it on the back of her hand and evenly massaged the product around the face, focusing on areas with texture or larger pores.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The other two guys, who are wearing undies when not getting massaged, are giving the lightest and most cursory of touches to either the shoulders or the calves.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The sturdy grooved leaves seem tough at first but, like your back after a trip to the chiropractor, relax and open up once they’re heartily massaged.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual.
—Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
Rosehip oil can be applied pure to clean, dry skin on both the face and body using a few drops massaged in gently.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
Myricks then applied it on the back of her hand and evenly massaged the product around the face, focusing on areas with texture or larger pores.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The other two guys, who are wearing undies when not getting massaged, are giving the lightest and most cursory of touches to either the shoulders or the calves.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
The sturdy grooved leaves seem tough at first but, like your back after a trip to the chiropractor, relax and open up once they’re heartily massaged.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Or opt for the Oil Ceremony, where layers of delicately scented oils are massaged into the skin in a soothing ritual.
—Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massaged
Verb
-
Davidson, a 6-foot-1 freshman, stroked a perfect shot from the right side to send the Trojans (18-13) into a second-round matchup with top seed South Carolina on Monday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
One contestant in a Travis Kelce butt cut leaped over an ironing board; another held a tape measure to his crotch and stroked it.—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jackson should be commended for taking a thoughtful step to strengthen consumer trust and the future of recycling innovation.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Beatriz Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office, commended Justin and Wonderful for reaching the settlement.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Miles praised the defensive effort of South Carolina.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The shoe was a hit, praised equally for its design as its comfort, and is currently available in 19 different colorways and materials, including pink or leopard ponyhair, white leather, and tan suede.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some environmental advocates applauded the move as a step in the right direction.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Antiplastic advocates applauded Thursday’s announcement.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Speakers also thanked and congratulated their teams, including prosecutors, police officers, and social workers for helping keep children safe.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
In a statement on Monday, Johnson congratulated King on landing the gig.—
Sabrina Franza,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massaged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massaged. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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