Phrase guide

kiss up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To pay false flattery to another, particularly a superior at work, in order to get special attention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Yes, I watched Joe kissing up the boss and was very annoyed when he got my promotion!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: butter up, fawn, toady, apple-polish, bootlick, bow and scrape, brownnose, dickride, duchess, fawn over, fellate, flannel, honey around, honey up, kiss someone's ass, kiss someone's ring, kiss up, kowtow, lick someone's ass, lick someone's balls, overflatter, overpraise, overrate, suck up

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To pay false flattery.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • He kisses up more than he works.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.