flatter

1 of 3

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər 

flattered; flattering; flatters

transitive verb

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.

intransitive verb

: to use flattery

flatterer

ˈfla-tər-ər 

noun

flatter

2 of 3

noun (1)

: one that flattens

especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

flatterer

3 of 3

noun (2)

flat·​ter·​er -atərə(r) 

-atə-

plural -s

: one that flatters

Synonyms of flatter

Verb

• commend
• honey
• congratulate
• stroke
• praise
• applaud
• overpraise
• massage
• puff
• coax
• soft-soap
• butter up
• cajole
• hero-worship

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

Verb

Article’s Kempel bench is universally flattering for almost any outdoor style with its classic look and sturdy acacia wood build. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

The high-rise waist, roomy pockets, and wide-leg shape help create a flattering silhouette that pairs perfectly with a crisp white tee and a cropped denim jacket. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 11 July 2026

Noun

These companies, launched between 2020 and 2024, feature flatter hierarchies and prioritize engineers. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Expansion battery integration also proved cleaner than expected, with flatter, easier-to-manage expansion cables that avoid some of the awkward cable clutter commonly associated with scalable backup ecosystems. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun (2)

Middle English flaterer, from flateren to flatter + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun (1)

1714, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing flatter

• flatter oneself

Rhymes for flatter

• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• hatter
• latter
• matter
• natter
• patter

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