1
as in laudatory
Related Words
Relevance
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
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
Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 25 May 2026
This is an excellent day for your sign because the Sun is high in the heavens casting you in a flattering spotlight.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026
How universally flattering the shade is across skin tones and hair types.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Adjective
Every travel wardrobe could benefit from a pair of these wrinkle-resistant, cropped pants that boast a flattering, wide-leg cut and flexible fabric.
—Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 25 May 2026
This is an excellent day for your sign because the Sun is high in the heavens casting you in a flattering spotlight.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
Verb
Anduril’s founder is Palmer Luckey, a super-active reply-guy on X and omnipresent in the new tech podcast universe, not to mention the recipient of flattering major features in outlets like the New York Times.
—Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026
How universally flattering the shade is across skin tones and hair types.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattering
Adjective
-
But as the home’s superstructure emerged, so have neighbors’ opinions — both laudatory and critical.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
20 May 2026
-
Unfortunately, the ongoing and laudatory efforts of technology companies to improve the customer experience has caught the attention of government officials eager to use what’s good in dangerous fashion.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Environmental stressors can include insufficient water, high temperatures, excessive moisture and/or nitrogen, severe pruning, or root damage.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
O’Hara was an outsider brought in with a mandate to reform the police department after the 2020 killing of George Floyd, which led to federal and state investigative findings of excessive force and racist policing practices.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Streisand closed her speech by praising the global film community and the power of cinema to bring people together.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
-
Nevertheless, the White House sent a letter in early May after lawmakers gaveled out, praising Masterson and Hawkins for their leadership.—
Matthew Kelly
May 24,
Kansas City Star,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Suitcases rarely push the $400 mark while priding themselves on chicness and durability; accessories like toiletry bags, too, come in at under $40 and yet retain an aspirational look worthy of your aesthetic at large.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
-
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
Adjective
-
Jefferson could be quite fulsome on this point.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
DeSantis, who signed the law in the Republican stronghold of The Villages in Central Florida, was joined by several other Republicans who touted its provisions, warned about potential threats to election integrity, and offered fulsome praise of the governor.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With commencement season rapidly coming to a close, on Saturday, Sonoma State University was commending its graduates on their resilience.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
-
On March 24, the court passed a resolution recognizing and commending the Turning Point Academy of Granbury, a religious school set to open in the fall that is connected to the conservative Turning Point USA movement.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Patrick Mahomes has a share in the Kansas City Royals and tweeted a video of Kelce's first pitch in congratulating him.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
-
Patrick Mahomes has a share in the Kansas City Royals and tweeted a video of Kelce’s first pitch in congratulating him.—
Joe Reedy,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Each time the former Iowa standout was on the floor in the first half, the Valkyries attempted to force favorable switches on Clark and constantly took her to the rim.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Friday.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
