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 crewneck vest top is timeless and flattering, with front buttons that add an elegant touch. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026

Thankfully, Amazon is packed with stylish tops that are perfect for every spring occasion, including breezy blouses, airy knits suited for transitional weather, and soft, flattering tees that are easy to style and comfortable enough to wear all day. —Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

Other artists copied his style, which at first the artist considered flattering but later saw it as unoriginal as his popularity grew. —Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026

The square neckline, smocked waist, and puff sleeves create a flattering, easy-to-wear silhouette. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering

Rhymes for flattering

• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• pattering
• scattering
• shattering
• smattering
• spattering
• backscattering
• unflattering