flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē How to pronounce flattery (audio)
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 flatteryHarry 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
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.
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

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of flattery was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattery. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

flattery

noun
flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē How to pronounce flattery (audio)
plural flatteries
1
: the act of flattering
2
: praise that is excessive or not sincere

More from Merriam-Webster on flattery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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