FLATTERIES Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

flattery

noun

ˈfla-tə-rē

Definition of flattery

as in praise

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 flattery Even effective flattery or ingratiation may have limits, especially when the stakes are highest. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026 The message underneath the flattery is more consequential since Somaliland is no longer simply making a historical or moral case for recognition. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026 But Ridgeway pushes on, trying various means — flattery, insults, amateur psychology — to cajole her into delivering a new Ripley book. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2026 Global game Durant welcomes NBA’s international flair To Kevin Durant, imitation is not just flattery. — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flattery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattery

Noun

All these headline-grabbing events earned him praise from his boss and fellow Republicans.

— Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Given the president’s delicate psyche, Maher knew anything short of absolute praise would be perceived as an insult.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

Noun

Just how much money, property, power or adulation makes for a satisfying life?

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
This adulation is all Fujino needs to take Kyomoto under her wing, and soon the two are inseparable, collaborating on strips where Fujino writes the stories and draws the figures while Kyomoto does the backgrounds.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of adulation

Noun

Those initial cars of the Brown era, however, never quite reached the acclaim of the later ones.

— Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
The first Horizon, which released in 2012, established a formula that Playground Games would perfect in subsequent releases, to massive critical and commercial acclaim.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of acclaim

Noun

His face appearing on the big screen was naturally greeted by cheers of adoration from the stands and would normally have been a pure reason to smile.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
The filmmaker was showered with love and adoration by appreciative fans.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of adoration

Browse Nearby Words

flatters

flattery

flatulent

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“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattery. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of flattery

noun

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