flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms of flattery

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Luckily, the heaps of flattery didn't go to his head. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026

That, plus a golden iPhone (or key to the city) and a bit of flattery, should do the trick. — Ravi Gupta, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026

The real danger is not the flattery itself. — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Unfortunately, Trump takes servile flattery as his due. — Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere