flatter, wheedle, cajole

_____________

Words that (probably) won’t work for you:

– praise, adulate – do not suggest any manipulation or dishonesty

– fawn, kowtow – might possibly work, but suggest submissive (‘obsequious’) behavior NOT typically involved in “buttering up”, and are more about trying to gain someone’s favor, not necessarily to manipulate to get one’s own way

– schmooze – maybe, but not if you are looking for a specific goal (‘buttering up’ and the other words listed at the start, imply there is a specific thing you are seeking to gain from them; schmooze is more general… socializing to get on someone’s good side… for possible benefit in the future)

blandish

adulate

praise

compliment

Butter up=praise or flatter someone excessively. Seek a favour by excessive praise

🙂