flattering 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of flatteringnext
1
as in laudatory

Related Words

Relevance

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
Hundreds of entries list interviews, flattering articles, celebrity encounters, and awards. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026 Every summer the white manicure finds its way back to the top of the beauty agenda—a simple choice that looks flattering against even the lightest of summer tans. — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 25 July 2026
Verb
Article’s Kempel bench is universally flattering for almost any outdoor style with its classic look and sturdy acacia wood build. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026 This flowy shirtdress with a polished collar and figure-flattering tapered waist is the blueprint. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 12 July 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
  • At the celebratory gala on September 4, Felix Krämer, director general and artistic director of the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf will deliver a laudatory speech in honor of Cragg receiving the prize.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
  • As a tribute to their compassion and tenacity in the face of horror, the six-part miniseries is above reproach — respectful and respectable, laudatory but dignified.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of laudatory
Adjective
  • There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across all of east Central Florida, according to NWS Melbourne.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Importantly, the robot maintained stable locomotion throughout testing, showing that the AI controller could effectively harness passive energy stored in the compliant feet without introducing instability or excessive corrective movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of excessive
Verb
  • The 2016 Indy 500 winner conducted the maiden validation test, praising the car's exceptional build quality and predictable, rewarding handling.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Since separating, the two have remained amicable co-parents, often praising one another in interviews.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of praising
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of priding
Adjective
  • India’s busiest wedding and festive season typically runs from October to April, timed with auspicious dates and favorable weather.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The new district snakes up through Kansas City’s urban core, in an attempt to create a district more favorable for Republicans in the 5th District.
    — Jack Harvel July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of favorable
Adjective
  • Both titles possess the fulsome tones of Miyazaki-style Japanese anime.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 29 June 2026
  • In overturning that verdict, the appeals court said the jury's question should have gotten a more fulsome answer, including the possibility of discounting all the confessions.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Definition of fulsome
Verb
  • Reactions to Graves’ retirement Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke at the Thursday press conference, commending Graves for her leadership.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The meteorologist’s followers are commending her for her environmentally friendly practice.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of commending
Verb
  • The text is a reference to the song’s lyrics, which see Bad Bunny congratulating and thanking his parents for giving birth to him.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • As Kelce walked, fans attending the Chiefs’ open practice called out for his attention, with some congratulating him on his recent nuptials.
    — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on flattering

Nglish: Translation of flattering for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All