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

Studio Joggers $129 $103 at Cozy Earth Lean into comfort while traveling this season with this flattering pair of joggers that’s on sale for 20 percent off in six beautiful shades. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2025

Start with this limited-edition lip combo: choose between the ultra-hydrating Balm Dotcom and the effortlessly flattering Lip Liner. —Blake Bakkila, Glamour, 10 Jan. 2025

As for which styles suit best for short women, any silhouette can be flattering as long as the proportions are aligned. —Talia Abbas, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025

They're constructed without a center seam for a flattering look and are made from Spanx's signature four-way stretch, smoothing fabric. —Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering