flattering

adjective

flat·​ter·​ing ˈfla-tər-iŋ How to pronounce flattering (audio)
1
: marked by flattery: such as
a
: showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration
a flattering comparison
His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.Richard Dawkins
b
: excessively or insincerely complimentary
… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.H. L. Mencken
2
: helping to enhance attractiveness
a necktie in a flattering color
… dictating the most flattering camera angles.David Margolick
The gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.The New Yorker
flatteringly adverb
The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own. Steve Hochman
Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob. Rebecca Mead

Examples of flattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While there are several flattering dress styles for plus-size bodies, Throckmorton says the wrap dress is the most universally flattering. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 Today, though, our phones and computers have put similar technology within reach for the average Facebook user who just wants a more flattering profile shot. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 The rock press often compared them in ways that were less than flattering to Mellencamp. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2024 Perhaps the warmest shade of ash brown in the bunch, this ashen chestnut looks insanely flattering on warm-toned skin types. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 Was that one of the most flattering moments of your career? Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 And yet, its soft drape, flattering rounded hem, and double side split keep it stylish enough for your Instagram feed. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Cat eye sunglasses are flattering on most face shapes, and this now-$40 pair from Oscar de la Renta comes in three attractive colors: black, light brown, and light pink. Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Longer lengths in a pencil silhouette are super flattering. Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flattering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flattering was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near flattering

Cite this Entry

“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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