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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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 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

Despite Schaffer’s praise of his acting chops, Lewis doesn’t think the ex-POTUS will be rushing to add more credits to his IMDb page.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
The song removal was greeted with praise from Swift fans in the Tik Tok comments.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 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

Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito and Jake DeVito produced the film, which premiered at SXSW 2026 to critical acclaim.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
After receiving national acclaim for redefining Korean-American cuisine in Chicago, husband and wife celebrity chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark are embarking on a new culinary venture, one that brings them to downtown Evanston.

— Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of acclaim

Noun

His death sparked an outpouring of adoration from his Sopranos’ castmates, among others.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
One, a delight for the kitchen — the pressure, the camaraderie, the artist's heart, the pirate's adoration of heat and knives — and, another, hard drugs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flattery

noun

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