massaged

verb

past tense of massage
as in stroked
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 massaged 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, 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 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 Words have been parsed over, ideas about location, production design, costume, lighting have all been carefully massaged even up to the day of photography. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Deirdre massaged my limbs while the cups went to work on my perpetually achy upper back. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 It's massaged into place before the incision is then stitched up. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 While this is all occurring on your scalp and hair, your body is on a heated bed, and your body is getting massaged. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026 Does all kale need to be massaged? — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massaged
  1. stroked
  2. commended
  3. praised
  4. applauded
  5. congratulated
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
  • 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
  • Republican lawmakers -- many of them in tough election contests where soaring fuel costs are driving voter anger -- praised the agreement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • It was praised by criminal justice advocates as a step toward a new, more thoughtful approach to the court system.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of praised
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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

massage
massaged
massage parlor
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Cite this Entry

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

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