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

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

Hadley learned that Vintilla had been working as a restaurant hostess in London when Andrew connected with her on Instagram and began bombarding her with flattery. —Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Infantino then unleashed a hat trick of over-the-top flattery. —Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

During a May staff meeting, CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the flattery route. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 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