flattered; flattering; flatters
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.
: 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
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
It's been widely regarded as one of the best films in the franchise since Lucasfilm was bought by Disney in 2012, a claim that Edwards is flattered by, but doesn't accept.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
An anti-static finish keeps the fabric from clinging mid-flight, while a flat front waistband smooths and flatters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
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
Whatever your own reaction, the open-ended nature of Serra’s approach flies in the face of what people have been conditioned to expect from today’s non-fiction cinema, much of which exists to challenge the audience for their provincialism while flattering them for their empathy.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
It's been widely regarded as one of the best films in the franchise since Lucasfilm was bought by Disney in 2012, a claim that Edwards is flattered by, but doesn't accept.
—Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
The high waist elongates the body, while the A-line shape flatters from every angle.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
An anti-static finish keeps the fabric from clinging mid-flight, while a flat front waistband smooths and flatters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flatter
Cite this Entry
“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share