flattered; flattering; flatters
1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
He flattered her with comments about how well she'd done.
2
archaic
: beguile sense 2
3
a
: to encourage or gratify by showing respect or admiration
They flattered me by asking me to speak.
b
: to congratulate (oneself) with respect to something
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.
4
a
: to portray too favorably
The portrait flatters him.
b
: to display to advantage
Candlelight often flatters the face.
: to use flattery
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
Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 22 May 2026
The button-up shirt dress is lightweight with a flattering silhouette and elastic waist that adds the right amount of definition without feeling uncomfortably tight.
—Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
José Andrés, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026
Instant oatmeal is cooked longer, rolled flatter, and chopped into smaller pieces than rolled oats.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flatter
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
Not to mention, its flattering silhouette and V-neckline make this the perfect piece to throw on with flats for errands or dress up with wedges for dinner.
—Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 22 May 2026
The button-up shirt dress is lightweight with a flattering silhouette and elastic waist that adds the right amount of definition without feeling uncomfortably tight.
—Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Noun
Remember that your pan’s shape affects the cooking; the larger and flatter it is, the faster the liquid will evaporate.
—José Andrés, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 May 2026
Instant oatmeal is cooked longer, rolled flatter, and chopped into smaller pieces than rolled oats.
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for flatter
Cite this Entry
“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
