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
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The scoop neckline and midi length are universally flattering, and the fabric is soft and breathable enough for a flight. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025 With that said, no jeans style quite compares to the wide-leg, which stylists say is one of the most universally flattering — and on-trend — for any body type and any age. Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025 These are not very flattering images of men. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025 So that was flattering and fun. EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flattering

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

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Cite this Entry

“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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