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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flattering
Jessica Pellien, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The Teresa Trouser Jeans are a little dressy, a little casual, and a lot flattering, thanks to the brand’s signature Lift Tuck Technology that smooths out the front side.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This style has pretty gold buttons and a flattering silhouette that doesn’t look too bulky, even on top of a ton of layers.
—Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Adjective
If something sounds too easy, too flattering, or too urgent, trust your instincts or use your phone-a-friend option and ask someone whose name isn’t on the cover of your book for an objective opinion.
—Jessica Pellien, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The Teresa Trouser Jeans are a little dressy, a little casual, and a lot flattering, thanks to the brand’s signature Lift Tuck Technology that smooths out the front side.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
The sentiment sounds almost like activism at a moment when Black History Month is being deemphasized, politicians claim diversity itself is a primary source of our woes and museums are being told to rework exhibitions that tell less than flattering history.
—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
This style has pretty gold buttons and a flattering silhouette that doesn’t look too bulky, even on top of a ton of layers.
—Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattering
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
While regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, excessive coffee intake may have the opposite effect.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Google is using this method to help developers optimize their apps, as no one wants their service to cause excessive battery drain.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These tips can help parents find the right approach to praising a child's efforts and accomplishments.—
Wayne Parker,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Iranian state television, after airing his speech, immediately went back to praising the country’s ongoing attacks across the region.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 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
-
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
-
Paramount has continued to agitate for more fulsome negotiations to buy Warner.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Johnson, an ally of the Jacksons, wrote a fulsome tribute that nodded to Jackson’s ascent in Chicago, from building up the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization to founding the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Trump previously endorsed the Hungarian politician in 2020, commending Orbán’s restrictive immigration policies and dedication to job creation.—
Sarah Davis,
The Hill,
13 Feb. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The interview wasn’t terribly insightful — the host seemed more interested in congratulating Panahi for being a hero than in exploring the context for that heroism.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Please join me in congratulating Jenisha and welcoming Sarah to The Atlantic.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
However, that divide has grown in recent decades, largely driven by Democrats souring on capitalism and becoming more favorable toward socialism.—
Justin Callais,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The drone can remain overhead, confirm target identity, and strike only when conditions are favorable.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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