Definition of flatter
transitive verb
1 : to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.
2a archaic : beguile 4b : to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct
3a : to portray too favorably the portrait flatters himb : to display to advantage candlelight often flatters the face
intransitive verb
: to use flattery
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Examples of flatter in a Sentence
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 of flatter from the Web
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Jimmy Kimmel was flattered when a 13-year-old named Will Rubin from Media, Pennsylvania centered his bar mitzvah theme around Kimmel's eponymous ABC late-night show.
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Paris (CNN)France will treat President Donald Trump to an elaborate military display on Friday, a strategic show of friendship by the new leader here who hopes to elevate his country's global standing by flattering his US counterpart.
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From chic one-shoulder designs to sporty looks, like Moschino's heather gray jersey zip-front suit to Dolce & Gabbana's '40s-inspired nautical striped suit, the one-piece is flattering on every body type.
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Spenzer might have been flattered by the comparison to the famous English sleuth.
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The new S7 has the same scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass front and back with aluminum frame, this time with a curved and flatter back.
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Well aware of Lacey's troubled reputation, Carine attempts to lend support by befriending Bill, who's flattered by the attention and starts to emerge from his chronic lethargy.
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But The Lily is also repackaging content—and thereby getting more clicks out of it—in ways that do not flatter its audience.
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He's racked up T-9 and T-2 finishes in this event - including one in 2015 - and while his birdie average flatters to deceive this season (129th on tour), there's few better tee-to-green.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flatter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of flatter
Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat
flatter
Definition of flatter
: one that flattens; especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing
Recent Examples of flatter from the Web
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The artist and landscape architect have agreed to redesign the project for the flatter and more narrow space, Peters said.
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Modern humans are distinguishable from, say, Neanderthals by our flatter, more delicate faces and our more globular crania, which encase larger and more complex brains.
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Reds are modern, but are prone to mimic signs of sickness — or rosacea. Peaches, on the other hand, flatter every skin tone, and — better yet — every skill level.
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Some mistake the flatter, smoother feel of nitrogen for strength and weight, says Todd Usry, president and brewmaster of Breckenridge Brewery.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flatter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of flatter
1714
FLATTER Defined for English Language Learners
flatter
playDefinition of flatter for English Language Learners
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: to praise (someone) in a way that is not sincere
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: to cause (someone) to feel pleased by showing respect, affection, or admiration
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: to show or describe (someone or something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable
FLATTER Defined for Kids
flatter
playDefinition of flatter for Students
flattered
;flattering
1 : to praise but not sincerely “You haven't changed since the day we met,” Grandpa flattered Grandma.
2 : to cause to feel pleased by showing respect or admiration I was flattered to be asked to sing at the wedding.
3 : to show as favorably as possible This picture flatters me.
4 : to make look more attractive That dress flatters you.
flatterer
nounLearn More about flatter
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See words that rhyme with flatter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for flatter Spanish Central: Translation of flatter Nglish: Translation of flatter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of flatter for Arabic speakers
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