· take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words"
Synonym(s): absorb, suck, imbibe, soak_up, sop_up, draw, take_in, take_up
· ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior; "She is playing up to the chairman"
Synonym(s): cozy_up, cotton_up, shine_up, play_up, sidle_up
Hypernym(s): ingratiate
· try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss"
Synonym(s): fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kowtow, kotow
Hypernym(s): flatter, blandish