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

Original reviews of the Hollywood Flawless Filter foundation, the ultra-flattering Pillow Talk lipstick shade, and the Magic Cream moisturizer still ring true today. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2025

Fans of the bodycon style will love this mini-dress from Amazon, which is ultra-flattering and can be layered under a shirt or sweater as a stand-in for a mini-skirt. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025

The flattering front-seam jeans Clarkson wore while chatting with singer Alanis Morissette. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

Thousands of reviewers gave the lounge pants five stars, praising their timeless look, pill-free material, and flattering adjustable waistband. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 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