flatter

1 of 2

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
flattered; flattering; flatters

transitive verb

1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.
2
a
archaic : beguile sense 2
b
: to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.
3
a
: to portray too favorably
The portrait flatters him.
b
: to display to advantage
Candlelight often flatters the face.
flatterer noun

flatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that flattens
especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

Examples of flatter in a Sentence

Verb He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance. It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding. That dress really flatters your figure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Advertisement Jonathan Cake in And Just Like That Season 3, Episode 7 Craig Blankenhorn—HBO Max Now, maybe Duncan is trying to flatter his way into Carrie’s conveniently nearby bed. Judy Berman, Time, 11 July 2025 In more challenging games, however, the side often flatters to deceive and occasionally slips up, as a narrow 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors and 0-1 loss to Benfica showed. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
The hemline is the perfect length and the easy-shift silhouette flatters without feeling bulky. Toni Sutton, People.com, 5 July 2025 The high waist elongates the body, while the A-line shape flatters from every angle. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for flatter

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatter was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

flatter

verb
flat·​ter
ˈflat-ər
1
: to praise too much and not sincerely
2
: to judge oneself as better than another
I flatter myself on my skill in dancing
3
: to represent too attractively
a picture that flatters me
flatterer
-ər-ər
noun
flatteringly
-ə-riŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on flatter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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