flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms of flattery

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Keeping his fanboy origins a secret, Matthew manipulates his way into Oliver’s inner circle using little more than flattery and an understanding of social-media-age mores. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025

The Grok flattery is embarrassing for Musk. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2025

The movie’s flattery of the audience, and of our supposedly superior conscience, is an expression of the same contempt. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025

Scammers use friendliness, flattery and false urgency to pull you in, then drain your accounts. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere