flatter

1 of 2

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
flattered; flattering; flatters
Synonyms of flatternext

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.
flatterer noun

flatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that flattens
especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

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
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
The empire waist is flattering, while the adjustable straps make this one easy to customize. Cassie Gill, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 Being petite has its pros (more leg room on an airplane) and cons (not being able to reach something on the top shelf), and finding clothes that actually flatter your figure can be one of the latter. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2026
Noun
The shape includes big, flat earcups and what appear to be tubular arms that telescope rather than the traditional Beats flatter arms. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 And flatter structures are all the rage right now. Claire Zillman, Fortune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for flatter

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatter was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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

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