flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• adulation
• blarney
• butter
• flannel [British]
• incense
• overpraise
• soft soap
• sweet talk
• taffy

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Imitation is no longer the most sincere form of flattery. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024

Some crypto insiders hailed it as a sign that their pressure was working; others dismissed it as pre-election false flattery. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 8 Oct. 2024

But the object of university education is not international flattery. —Brian Connolly, Sun Sentinel, 30 Sep. 2024

This type of flattery is often enough to spark an initial conversation. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere