SUCKING (UP) Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

sucking (up)

verb

Definition of sucking (up)

present participle of suck (up)

as in currying favor

to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior a young lieutenant constantly sucking up to the commanding officer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in soaking (up)

to take in (something liquid) through small openings these lilacs sucked up all the water I added to the vase yesterday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucking (up)

Verb

Similar to Egypt after its collapse earlier in the week, Switzerland exited fussing about the officiating.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Definition of fussing

Verb

Mix these finds into your work wardrobe or your off-duty ensembles—they’re versatile enough to do it all, and the festive palette is worth drooling over.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
There was one of Melissa Gorga’s sprinkle cookies ground into the carpet, and there was Kelsey Swanson, passed out under the piano and drooling on the parquet.

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of drooling

Verb

Otherwise, a project can appear affordable because employees are silently absorbing part of its cost.

— Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
For example, heavy elements are better at absorbing heat from the core, which affects the size of a star’s convective layer.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of absorbing

Verb

Justin Barocas, a founder of the Anomaly agency, is taking up the reins as CEO, while Kamen will move to an executive-chairman role and Scherma will maintain his position as president.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
That’s why the Jmdhkk Hidden Camera Detector may be a good investment to provide a level of safety to your stay without taking up excess space in your suitcase or being difficult to use.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of taking up

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Browse Nearby Words

sucking in

sucking (up)

sucking (up to)

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Style

“Sucking (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucking%20%28up%29. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sucking (up)

verb

Example Sentences

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