MASSAGE Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

massage

verb

Definition of massage

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

Relevance

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 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 These included cleaning, caring for Chong’s children and massaging his feet without pay, 7NEWS reported. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 4 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 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 See All Example Sentences for massage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for massage

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

Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.

— Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

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

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
Others, like Robert Rubsam in Vulture, have noted plenty of books that spotlight straight men, but in a less-than-flattering light.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of flatter

Browse Nearby Words

massacring

massage

massaged

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Massage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/massage. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of massage

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on massage

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes