flattering

adjective

flat·​ter·​ing ˈfla-tər-iŋ 

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

The cut has the same flattering shape and movement that make The Rachel so enviable, but also incorporates some contemporary elements. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025

The ribbed knit adds texture, the tie in the back creates a flattering fit, and the lightweight blend is comfortable for all-day wear. —Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

Mead providing two assists for Blackstenius, and then Maanum, to give the final scoreline a flattering gloss. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Willit Yoga Pants These flattering yoga pants are another phone-friendly option available in petite sizing. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering

Rhymes for flattering

• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• pattering
• scattering
• shattering
• smattering
• spattering
• backscattering
• unflattering