massage

verb

Definition of massagenext
as in to flatter
to praise too much a candidate who knows that you have to massage the voters if you want to get elected

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of massage 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 While there are no general downsides to using a body scrub, the dermatologists warn not to massage them too roughly into skin. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 Top Plays from Bears @ Titans To be clear, the first version will likely be revised and massaged before the Bears arrive at their first meaningful practice of Week 1. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour marinade over them; seal and massage to coat chicken. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
  1. stroke
  2. praise
  3. congratulate
  4. puff
  5. butter up
  6. flatter
Verb
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • The one-minute television spot includes Poindexter’s daughters praising their father for his work ethic and dedication to their family.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Smoke’N Ash is also praised for Patrick Hicks’ brisket, pork ribs and rib tips, along with an extensive menu of desserts.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Brown said a wild Knicks fan tailed him home to congratulate him on winning the Finals during a bike ride over the offseason.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The veteran coach congratulated his team for the win and quickly pivoted to yelling about mental mistakes that kept Houston County in the game.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Let rolls sit at room temperature until slightly puffed, about 1 hour.
    — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As his players doused each other with beer and puffed smoke throughout the room, Venable said neither cigars nor champagne are quite his style.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of puff
Verb
  • Yet, this will take a great deal of finesse, including pushing through a bill in parliament by buttering up Lord Hawthorne (Hugh Bonneville), who is willing to trade his vote for a night out with Susie’s brother, Jack (Harry Goodwins).
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These packages, which often run into thousands of dollars, attract many celebrities and corporate buyers who see the Games as a chance to butter up clients or reward top performers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of butter up
Verb
  • Checking one’s own emotions is also important, because AI chatbots have been known to flatter users by giving answers based on the user’s own biases, or what the user wants to hear, rather than just facts.
    — Allison Faix, The Conversation, 7 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 flatter

Browse Nearby Words

massacring
massage
massaged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on massage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about massage

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