flattering 1 of 2

Definition of flatteringnext

flattering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of flatter

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
And in spring 2026, there are more options than ever for flattering cuts, breathable fabrics, and interesting combinations. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026 On nights when a full moon or crackling fire aren’t enough to create a flattering nighttime glow, the best outdoor pendant lights can offer an appreciated assist in creating an ambient setting. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
And the one-piece bathing suits were not flattering. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026 Her self-portrait isn’t always flattering. Los Angeles Times, 24 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
  • The author emphasizes that the library book controversy—central to the group’s identity—was excessive and poorly conceived.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Ed Masley Weather can make all the difference at an outdoor music festival, as anyone who’s shivered through a cold and rainy night to see their favorite band (or couldn’t take selfies because their smartphone powered down to save itself from the excessive heat) can tell you.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In some cases, parents may even unintentionally reinforce the behavior by praising physical changes without understanding how they were achieved.
    Grace Baek, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The rapper previously shared rhetoric widely deemed as antisemitic on social media, used a 2025 Super Bowl ad to redirect viewers to a website selling a $20 swastika T-shirt, and dropped a song praising Adolf Hitler.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 3 Apr. 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
  • 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
  • As Warsh interpreted it, modern central banking is not only about setting policy but also about presenting outcomes as the result of fulsome deliberation.
    Paul Wachtel, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After the hearing, Gorman’s family released a statement commending the judge for detaining Medina.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Bhattacharya has visited the Atlanta campus, sent emails commending the CDC staff and thanking them for their work, and extended telework accommodations in his first weeks on the job.
    Pien Huang, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a recent Oprah Daily Instagram post congratulating The Oprah Podcast’s recent Webby Award nomination, the media mogul wore a professional-looking two-piece outfit, complete with wide-leg beige pants with gold accents and a matching button-down shirt.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Isaacman closed by congratulating the crew and the entire NASA team, along with the agency's international and commercial partners.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Recent poll results shared at a Tuesday night hearing showed 55% of those in a random sample were favorable to a mill levy override.
    Olivia Young, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The hope is a new administration more favorable to offshore wind will be in place by the time turbines are ready to touch federal waters.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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