flatter

1 of 2

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
flattered; flattering; flatters
Synonyms of flatternext

transitive verb

1
: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
He flattered her with comments about how well she'd done.
2
archaic : beguile sense 2
3
a
: to encourage or gratify by showing respect or admiration
They flattered me by asking me to speak.
b
: to congratulate (oneself) with respect to something
I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.
4
a
: to portray too favorably
The portrait flatters him.
b
: to display to advantage
Candlelight often flatters the face.
flatterer noun

flatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that flattens
especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

Examples of flatter in a Sentence

Verb He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance. It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding. That dress really flatters your figure.
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.
Verb
My favorite is the Glasting Color Gloss, which has a reflective shine, a weightless feel, and long-lasting color that flatters everyone and makes everyone an evangelist for the line. Charlotte Cho, Allure, 3 Jan. 2026 With a variety of lengths and styles to choose from, bobs can be tailored to flatter virtually any face shape or hair texture. Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
The formula relies on keratin to smooth and reinforce the outer layer so strands lie flatter, while jojoba seed oil adds slip and seals in moisture to prevent frizz once hair dries. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025 Short haircuts like the bob flatter all hair textures, fine strands especially. Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flatter

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatter was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatter. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

flatter

verb
flat·​ter
ˈflat-ər
1
: to praise too much and not sincerely
2
: to judge oneself as better than another
I flatter myself on my skill in dancing
3
: to represent too attractively
a picture that flatters me
flatterer
-ər-ər
noun
flatteringly
-ə-riŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on flatter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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