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
Similar veiled olive branches have been extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin—but only after months of flattery and praise strangely directed at Putin by his American counterpart.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
All this flattery appears to be sincere—a version of the hyper-specific, borderline-surreal praise that Leslie piled on her bestie, Ann.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
The fact that an artist will do so in a language that has become a global musical unifier is truly the highest form of flattery.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
This innocent flattery was pleasant, but somewhat embarrassing for two men who were still hunting for a few answers themselves.
—Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
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Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
All this flattery appears to be sincere—a version of the hyper-specific, borderline-surreal praise that Leslie piled on her bestie, Ann.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
The fact that an artist will do so in a language that has become a global musical unifier is truly the highest form of flattery.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
This innocent flattery was pleasant, but somewhat embarrassing for two men who were still hunting for a few answers themselves.
—Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 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 19 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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