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Showing results for buttering up. Search instead for mutterisotop.

buttering up

NOUN
compliment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admiration adulation applause blessing commendation courtesy endorsement homage ovation tribute
STRONG
acclaim acclamation appreciation approval bouquet cajolery comp confirmation congratulations encomium eulogy favor felicitation honor laud laurels notice orchid panegyric posy regard respects sanction sentiment veneration
WEAK
good word kudo laudation pat on the back warm fuzzy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blame censure criticism disapproval disregard silence
STRONG
condemnation disfavor dislike disrespect ignorance neglect opposition refusal veto
WEAK
complaint denunciation insult libel slander

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before Musk decided to exit OpenAI, Brockman described his attempts to gain more control over the company, an effort that included "buttering up" Brockman and another co-founder, Ilya Sutskever.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Besides, Colby has long displayed a knack for buttering up his superiors.

From Slate • Jul. 8, 2025

Mall operators are responding in part by upgrading their food game and buttering up desirable restaurateurs with the favorable rent and other concessions that used to go to department stores.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2017

He also bought lots of goodwill by relentlessly befriending and buttering up admirals and other senior Navy officers, showering them with gifts and meals.

From Washington Post • Dec. 27, 2016

As soon as she saw the way the cards were falling, she started buttering up to me.

From The Common Man by Schelling, George Luther