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
Harry Shaw
(2)
: insincere or excessive praise
He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.
2
obsolete
: a pleasing self-deception
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
Bunnie isn't a fan of the sudden flattery about his looks following the weight loss.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
To build stronger work relationships with a manager, consider using some workplace flattery like complimenting the way your boss conducted a meeting or asking for career advice, Pfeffer said.
—Natalie Wu, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs are gracious when addressing opponents during game week, but there’s enough recent history with the Ravens to know this isn’t false flattery.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
What one longed to know was what Redford, a smart and reflective soul, made of such honeyed flattery.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
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Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
To build stronger work relationships with a manager, consider using some workplace flattery like complimenting the way your boss conducted a meeting or asking for career advice, Pfeffer said.
—Natalie Wu, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs are gracious when addressing opponents during game week, but there’s enough recent history with the Ravens to know this isn’t false flattery.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
What one longed to know was what Redford, a smart and reflective soul, made of such honeyed flattery.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
Cite this Entry
“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattery. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flattery
noun
flat·tery
ˈflat-ə-rē
plural flatteries
1
: the act of flattering
2
: praise that is excessive or not sincere
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