flatter

verb

ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
Definition of flatternext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The brand has also become a go-to for figure-flattering wardrobe staples that combine timeless designs and smoothing, comfortable fabrics that work with you rather than against you. — Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2026 Checking one’s own emotions is also important, because AI chatbots have been known to flatter users by giving answers based on the user’s own biases, or what the user wants to hear, rather than just facts. — Allison Faix, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026 Lu was also flattered by a festival website’s introduction linking the film to Taiwan’s New Wave. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Joy, for her part, is flattered that Luke made the effort to see her. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flatter
  1. commend
  2. pride
  3. honey
  4. congratulate
  5. stroke
  6. praise
  7. applaud
  8. overpraise
Verb
  • Two Democratic political organizations are running adverts on the House’s bill to ban congressional stock trading, criticizing a Republican over the vote while commending a Democrat running in a different district for supporting the bill.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Related Articles The runway appearance of both Hosk and Palvin has set the internet aflame, with awed viewers commending the new moms and calling attention to the indelible power of women.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Russia prides itself on its digital advances — from an extensive e-commerce services sector to ambitious plans for developing artificial intelligence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • California has long prided itself as a regulatory trailblazer, whether to preserve its coastline, reduce air pollution, protect gig workers, ensure data privacy or battle climate change.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pride
Verb
  • The mouthfeel is thick, chewy, and honeyed, with a hint of marzipan.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of honey
Verb
  • Leaders from across Latin America largely congratulated Lula's historic win.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The president of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and the the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta—both from center-right parties—congratulated Lula and declared the election valid.
    — Chiara Pizzimenti, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • White stroked a 3-pointer and waved his arms over his head to the crowd.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • The self-styling of Rider’s shows has been widely praised, as has the scenography of the re-see, which offers an original approach to presenting products through accumulation, layering and a play on color variations or monochromatic schemes.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Paul praised the concept of residential cruising but said the shipowner lacked the expertise to make the business financially sustainable.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • The fifth-round pick of the 2024 draft — applauded for his versatility this offseason and who made several plays in the preseason, including an interception — played exactly one defensive snap against the Bucs.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Roan performed alongside pop stars such as Lola Young and Tinashe to applaud Midwest Princess Project’s success.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flatter. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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