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 Universal Thread Tie-Front Midi Skirt is my go-to for hot days thanks to its breathability, flattering fit, and cute details. —Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025

The puff sleeves and loose silhouette offer a flattering and airy fit, and the pockets are convenient for securing smaller valuables. —Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

Before heading into the salon, finding the best hairstyles for your face shape can help make for a more flattering hairstyle. —Julie Ricevuto, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025

Attia Taylor: That’s very flattering and an honor to hear. —Morgan A. Grain, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025

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