flattering 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of flatteringnext
1
as in laudatory

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in excessive

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

flattering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of flatter
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

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 flattering
Adjective
Depending on complexion and undertone, a flattering nude can read pink, peach, caramel, mauve or brown rather than a traditional beige. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026 Lloyd and Wash never intersected — Wash served as the defensive coordinator there from 2016 to 2020, leaving two years prior to Lloyd’s drafting — but Lloyd heard flattering stories from his friends and teammates. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
The trousers have a subtle ballooning effect that creates a flattering silhouette on all body types. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 12 Oct. 2026 Others, like Robert Rubsam in Vulture, have noted plenty of books that spotlight straight men, but in a less-than-flattering light. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattering
  1. laudatory
  2. excessive
  3. praising
  4. priding
  5. favorable
  6. fulsome
  7. commending
  8. congratulating
Adjective
  • Trump’s laudatory comments come as bipartisan angst over the technology crests, alarming AI incidents proliferate, and global governments call for policy cooperation.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Harp delivered a laudatory speech at the Republican National Convention in 2020 about the president's signing of the Right to Try Act, a 2018 federal law that lets patients with life-threatening illnesses try experimental treatments.
    — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of laudatory
Adjective
  • The lack of transparency in the incentives’ application process, alongside excessive bureaucracy and uncertainty, remain issues, although Japanese industry folk have similar complaints about applying for export support.
    — Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Wolf of Wall Street, the Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie movie about Belfort’s wild and excessive life as a New York stockbroker and boiler room boss, was released through Paramount Pictures.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excessive
Verb
  • Jovovich wrapped up the sweet caption by praising her daughter’s strength, loyalty, and perseverance.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The two appear to have a good relationship following their divorce, especially since the Good Will Hunting star has been praising his ex in several interviews as of late.
    — Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of praising
Verb
  • Like its Brooks counterpart, the shoe is offered in Extra Wide, also priding itself on perks like superior energy return, a grippier-than-most outsole, and a lightweight build at just 208 grams.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The property offers a variety of programs and activities for children and families, priding itself on being a multigenerational spot to return to again and again.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of priding
Adjective
  • In neighboring Cabarrus County, Democrats headed into Election Day hoping to build on their early voting turnout advantage and ride the winds of a favorable national environment.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Music blared from a stage outside as supporters watched results from races across the country come in on a large screen, cheering at favorable results.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • Much of the recent alarm stems from AI labs’ own stress tests—and their, at times, tardy or less-than-fulsome disclosures—in which frontier models are pushed to deceive, break rules, or resist shutdowns.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Trump’s tepid comments sharply contrast with his more fulsome displays of support for Netanyahu in the past.
    — Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of fulsome
Verb
  • San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of commending
Verb
  • The Republican National Committee joined Golden in congratulating LePage on the election results.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In the meantime, please join me in congratulating this new leadership team…I’m incredibly excited to get going.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulating

Browse Nearby Words

flattered
flattering
flatteringly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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