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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of massage
Front-row seats offer 30-way adjustability and massaging capabilities.
—
James Raia, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
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
On wash days, apply to wet hair and gently massage into the scalp using your fingertips (not nails), focusing on the roots rather than the lengths.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Exercise of all kinds is also effective at stimulating the skin and muscles in a way that is similar to massage, Field said.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
James Raia, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
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
On wash days, apply to wet hair and gently massage into the scalp using your fingertips (not nails), focusing on the roots rather than the lengths.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Exercise of all kinds is also effective at stimulating the skin and muscles in a way that is similar to massage, Field said.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for massage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage
Verb
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Of the 2,400 who participated in the study, mostly preferred being flattered.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
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The present profit forecasts are being flattered by surging estimates for semiconductor and energy companies without yet reflecting any frictional effects of the massive jump in energy, chemical and shipping costs, nor the unhelpful rise in Treasury yields toward the top of their one-year range.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At first, Hanke thought Miyabi was just stroking his ego.—
Lucia Cheng,
Des Moines Register,
25 Mar. 2026
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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
Verb
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Dewitt also praised JaCorey Stewart’s speed.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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Then praised Illini Nation for its support.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ben spends the afternoon buttering up Ellie and praising her cake-icing skills, and even gives her the task of decorating the wedding cake.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
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Some buttering up in your prompt can likely produce this.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Verb
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In a statement on Monday, Johnson congratulated King on landing the gig.—
Sabrina Franza,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Tiafoe has been one of Baptiste’s biggest fans and congratulates her often on social media.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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What emerged was an omelet of ideal and epitomic shape—straight, proudly puffed, about six and a half inches long and two and a half inches wide, with squarish ends and neither a speck nor drop of oil or liquid egg anywhere around.—
Jeffrey Steingarten,
Vogue,
5 Apr. 2026
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This square-neck dress delivers idyllic countryside vibes in the best way, thanks to its charming neckline, smocked bodice, and puff sleeves.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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