FLATTER Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

flatter

verb

ˈfla-tər

Definition of flatter

as in to commend

to praise too much the billionaire has an army of assistants who are eager to flatter him at every opportunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to pride

to think highly of (oneself) don't flatter yourself that no one has ever thought of that idea before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of flatter Curry processed the sentiment, flattered by the validation in their gratitude. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 However, the formula comes in a variety of reds, berries and nudes that flatter a wide range of complexions. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 The top edge of the vamp dips into a dramatic, sharp V-shape over the foot, which flatters the feet. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 Overall, Terry said he is flattered by the ad campaigns against the measure. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flatter

Verb

Stern and his team commended how Pastore acted in his final scene on the show.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
In all, the review from animal welfare consulting firm Team Shelter USA commends the department’s medical and surgical care, low euthanasia rates, foster program and enrichment facilities for animals at the Carlsbad shelter.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

But the city that prides itself on being home to four cultures was still grappling with the aftermath of the border surge, with locals disagreeing on what caused it and who exactly is to blame.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
The move marks a sharp shift for a country that has long prided itself on welcoming immigrants.

— Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of pride

Verb

Pezeshkian congratulated Khalil al-Hayya on his election as head of the group’s political bureau and told him Iran would continue supporting the Palestinian cause, according to a Hamas statement posted in Arabic, and reviewed by Fox News Digital.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
The text is a reference to the song’s lyrics, which see Bad Bunny congratulating and thanking his parents for giving birth to him.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

Their videos work as a modern take on the narcocorridos – ballads about the trafficking underworld that drug kingpins used to praise themselves and communicate with each other, said security expert Alexei Chévez.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
The state Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday also praised samgyetang, a chicken soup stuffed with ginseng, glutinous rice and jujubes, reporting that Pyongyang restaurants were attracting customers seeking relief from the heat.

— Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

But the fact that this super team from LA added another not-so-secret weapon in its bid for a three-peat was not universally applauded by baseball fans.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
And in this economy, any fresh opportunity is cause for celebration, so take a moment to applaud yourself.

— Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of applaud

Verb

The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.

— Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.

— Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023

Definition of overpraise

Browse Nearby Words

flattens

flatter

flattered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flatter. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of flatter

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on flatter

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

anecdote

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes