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.

“It felt a little bit like he was buttering us up,” Brockman testified.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

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

Maybe standing up for Wilson will earn Sutton a few more targets, and if that’s the case, perhaps rookie Marvin Mims Jr. should try buttering him up, too.

From Washington Times • Nov. 17, 2023

“She has a huge sweet tooth. I know your mom’s been buttering her up—bringing her Pakistani candy, making her sweet chai tea.”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan