1
as in laudatory
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in excessive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in praising
to praise too much
the billionaire has an army of assistants who are eager to flatter him at every opportunity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in priding
to think highly of (oneself)
don't flatter yourself that no one has ever thought of that idea before
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flattering
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
There is a flattering, if occasionally self-deprecating, account of his upbringing; a recap of his political successes told with a careful balance of humility and braggadocio; and, perhaps most of all, a sustained effort to define his brand for voters.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2026
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026
The squared scoop neck is also one of my favorite necklines for flattering the décolletage for a more polished look.
—Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Adjective
However, such a storied brand as Clinique even knows a universally flattering shade can still have its dissenters.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
There is a flattering, if occasionally self-deprecating, account of his upbringing; a recap of his political successes told with a careful balance of humility and braggadocio; and, perhaps most of all, a sustained effort to define his brand for voters.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
Need further proof that this trendy cut is flattering on everyone?
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026
The squared scoop neck is also one of my favorite necklines for flattering the décolletage for a more polished look.
—Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattering
Adjective
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Before the film ends with onscreen graphics listing Melania’s achievements as first lady in such laudatory fashion that North Korea would blush, she’s shown posing for her official portrait.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
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As several polls and surveys of consumer confidence reveal, the public’s view of contemporary economic conditions contrasts sharply with Trump’s laudatory assessment, and some believe his strategy of denying affordability concerns could hurt the GOP's chances in next year’s elections.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
It was ruled a Flagrant 1 excessive foul, but not a dangerous Flagrant 2 foul, so Jamerson was not ejected from the game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Taking vitamin D alongside a multivitamin is generally safe for most people, but understanding dosing, absorption, and potential risks is important to avoid excessive intake.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Paxton’s campaign began airing an ad Friday that features video clips of Trump praising Paxton and images of them together.—
Thomas Beaumont,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
-
After praising Dreher for 10 minutes, Vance invited him onstage.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But with a bid to appeal to more women and families, Hooters risks failing to differentiate itself from the dozens of other casual dining chains also priding themselves on being family-friendly, according to Saunders.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
14 Nov. 2025
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If bookmaking was in theory the keel that kept the ship upright, in practice Bowyer often treated it as another gamble, priding himself on taking bets that his competition wouldn’t touch.—
DAVID AMSDEN,
Rolling Stone,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Reviews of the memoir were fulsome.—
David Treuer,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The film has had a fulsome festival run landing various accolades along the way, including two awards at the British Short Film Awards.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That was the closest the 2026 DGA speeches came to being political outside of union support, with directors Coogler and Safdie both commending the insurance the guild provides (particularly as each director has a child that is currently sick).—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
8 Feb. 2026
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His teammates rallied behind him — including Sakamoto, men’s short program winner Yuma Kagiyama (who bested Malinin with a truly exceptional showing) and pairs favorites Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara — commending the rock solid performance.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Malinin was magnanimous afterward, hugging and congratulating surprise gold medalist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
While Sweetpea and Ed Burgess were busy congratulating themselves for securing Tony Day’s damning eyewitness account of Tender’s fraudulence, Whitney threatened his man in Africa back into the fold.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With an attorney on the plaintiffs’ side of the lawsuit colluding with the city’s team, the city could settle the claims on favorable terms.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Warren and Garcia raised ethics questions about whether ballroom donors were promised favorable treatment by the administration in exchange for their contributions.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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