BUTTERED UP Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

buttered up

verb

past tense of butter up

as in congratulated

to praise too much a flunky who shamelessly butters up the boss

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for buttered up

Verb

Last week, Mancini congratulated Flanagan on his series adaptation of King’s 1974 debut novel.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
The French Academy of Sciences, of which Kagan is a member, congratulated the two scientists and expressed its pride in the prize.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of congratulated

Verb

Mac Haddow of the American Kratom Association has applauded the DEA’s 7-OH ban but has also blamed irresponsible consumers for any deaths caused by natural kratom use.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Bryan’s on-stage statement immediately drew a lot of negative feedback from conservative fans, although there are pockets on the right that have come out against Israel’s actions in Gaza who applauded Bryan.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of applauded

Verb

As of 2022, more than half of the seafood eaten worldwide was farm-raised rather than caught at sea, a fact that has been praised as evidence that fish farming can meet a growing demand for seafood while slowing the collapse of the oceans.

— Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
At a September campaign event in Pittsboro, Whatley praised legislation enacted over Cooper’s opposition and accused the former governor of prioritizing transgender participation over protections for female athletes.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

Several Israeli officials commended the bravery of those on board the plane.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell, the main speaker at the unveiling, commended West’s cultural contributions and her legacy as an educator during her tenure at Chicago State University.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of commended

Verb

The 2027 Silverado gets a broader, more muscular face, a new grille and redesigned LED lighting, while the bodywork has been massaged to make the truck look even more substantial.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of massaged

Verb

Charli even stroked the bathroom hand dryer — a clever reference to everybody’s favorite scene in Desperately Seeking Susan.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Rookie Ethan Salas stroked an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday night as the San Diego Padres edged the visiting Miami Marlins 7-6.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of stroked

Verb

Making casual clothes look luxurious was hardly new, but Cucinelli did it in a way that flattered changing body shapes while establishing an instantly recognizable aesthetic.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Lu was also flattered by a festival website’s introduction linking the film to Taiwan’s New Wave.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of flattered

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Browse Nearby Words

butter

buttered up

butterfingered

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“Buttered up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buttered%20up. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of buttered up

verb

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