flattering

adjective

flat·​ter·​ing ˈfla-tər-iŋ 

1

: marked by flattery: such as

a

: showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration

a flattering comparison

His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.

—Richard Dawkins

b

: excessively or insincerely complimentary

… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.

—H. L. Mencken

2

: helping to enhance attractiveness

a necktie in a flattering color

… dictating the most flattering camera angles.

—David Margolick

The gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.

—The New Yorker

flatteringly adverb

The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own.

—Steve Hochman

Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob.

—Rebecca Mead

Examples of flattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The silhouette is flattering and comfortable thanks to the elastic waist and asymmetrical neckline. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

And though the market is saturated with brands selling flattering silhouettes made with comfortable, stretchy fabrics, one brand has remained a standout since its founding in 1998. —Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

Plus, the design is flattering on the waist and allows airflow to keep you cool in the heat. —Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2024

The light ruching at the waist was a flattering touch. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 18 Apr. 2024

Regardless, the reflection is less than flattering to the Warriors. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024

Buckle up, because identifying your most flattering colors might take time, patience and a crash course in style history. —Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024

Seasonal color analysis, a fad from the 1980s seeking to identify a person’s most flattering color palette, is drawing views and exasperation on TikTok. —Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

The half-zip design allows for easy layering and temperature control, while the drapey fabric provides a flattering look. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering