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

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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 Sanghee, who has a day job importing snacks and shoots short films in her spare time, spends two days with the family as old secrets, unsolicited advice and hollow flattery come to the surface. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026 Rutte’s approach of using flattery to win over the president prompted some to question whether this had delivered any tangible benefits for the alliance. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Fake travel email uses flattery The message says your activity placed you among a select number of loyal members. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and that's exactly why beautiful paint colors are subject to overuse. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flattery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattery

Noun

Our family and volunteers have recommended Cleveland’s with the highest praise.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
The contretemps about the visa scandal pushed #Andy — López Beltrán’s nickname — to the top of social media sites in Mexico, drawing both praise and derision.

— Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of praise

Noun

The adulation was directed at Harvey Levin, the co-creator and editor of the tabloid news organization.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
The people standing included A-list Hollywood stars and world leaders, all giving the Prince and Princess of Wales a very public show of respect and adulation.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Definition of adulation

Noun

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures previously partnered on the global distribution of Shinkai’s Suzume (2023), which grossed more than $300 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Universal acclaim or not, the film launched his groundbreaking directing career and helped usher in a new era of Black independent filmmaking.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of acclaim

Noun

In Pattinson’s case, his latest entries in the internet hall of fame also reflect how his online status has changed across his career, from a position of mockery to the widespread adoration on display today in numerous viral fan edits.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
His death sparked an outpouring of adoration from his Sopranos’ castmates, among others.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flattery

noun

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