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

Its combination of floral embroidery and lightweight tulle creates a flattering and enchanting look, ideal for holiday parties and gatherings. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024

Our female testers noted that the warmth did come at the cost of a flattering silhouette, but the boxy cut is a price worth paying in the coldest of winter climes. —Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024

The broad inability of liberals to understand Trump’s political appeal except in terms flattering to their beliefs is itself part of the explanation for his historic, and entirely avoidable, comeback. —Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Prana's Halle Straight Pants II have a flattering silhouette that resembles the fit of your favorite jeans — only with UPF 50+ for sun protection, water repellency, and abrasion resistance. —Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering