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

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms of flattery

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

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

Manipulation, escalation, flattery and vindictiveness are not the unavoidable price of sounding natural. — Puneet Gaur, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Tom Cruise's recent effusive praise for Kate Middleton was not just Hollywood flattery, according to royal experts. — Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Imitation isn’t always a form of flattery, as evidenced by these stars’ reactions to on-screen depictions of their lives. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Even effective flattery or ingratiation may have limits, especially when the stakes are highest. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere