flattering

adjective

flat·​ter·​ing ˈfla-tər-iŋ 

1

: marked by flattery: such as

a

: showing or expressing gratifying respect or admiration

a flattering comparison

His colleagues might have disowned him, but they didn't receive flattering invitations to speak all over the country and to write for The New York Times.

—Richard Dawkins

b

: excessively or insincerely complimentary

… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.

—H. L. Mencken

2

: helping to enhance attractiveness

a necktie in a flattering color

… dictating the most flattering camera angles.

—David Margolick

The gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.

—The New Yorker

flatteringly adverb

The so-called Generation X has been described by some—not flatteringly—as a scavenger culture that gathers music, art and fashions from recent past generations rather than creating its own.

—Steve Hochman

Her upper body is all besuited business—the black jacket, the white blouse reflecting flatteringly on the face, the understated silver choker and earrings, the burnished brown bob.

—Rebecca Mead

Examples of flattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Testers Say: Testers love the flattering, comfortable pajamas that keep them dry and prevent overheating throughout the night. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

Its scoop neckline adds a flattering twist to a typical tee, and its hip-skimming length can be worn tucked into or out of pants, skirts, and shorts. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025

With a 45 percent discount, this comfy shirt offers a flattering, relaxed fit for the season. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025

To my delight, the retailer has tons of cute seasonal pieces to sift through, including Hill House Ellie Nap Dress lookalikes for a fraction of the cost. ICYMI, the original nap dress became wildly popular for its charming, flattering fit that looked good on just about everyone. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering

Rhymes for flattering

• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• pattering
• scattering
• shattering
• smattering
• spattering
• backscattering
• unflattering