suck up Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb take in, also metaphorically
   draw; take up; imbibe; absorb; soak up; take in; suck; sop up.
   
   • The sponge absorbs water well
   • She drew strength from the minister's words
2. verb ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior
   play up; cotton up; sidle up; cozy up; shine up.
   
   • She is playing up to the chairman
3. verb try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
   fawn; kowtow; kotow; bootlick; toady; truckle.
   
   • He is always kowtowing to his boss

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