flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē How to pronounce flattery (audio)
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 flatteryHarry Shaw
(2)
: insincere or excessive praise
He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.
2
obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

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
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.
Starmer brought flattery and a state visit invitation from King Charles III to soften the ask. Zeke Miller, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025 Trump must be laughing about Newsom’s obviously insincere flattery and being able to make the governor jump through his hoops. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025 Some recall their dealings with him during his first term, when certain governors believed that federal aid was conditioned on flattery. Katie Glueck, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 The film Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman, received just-okay reviews, with many critics irked by its exorbitant flattery of both Michaels and SNL. Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flattery

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of flattery was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattery. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

flattery

noun
flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē How to pronounce flattery (audio)
plural flatteries
1
: the act of flattering
2
: praise that is excessive or not sincere

More from Merriam-Webster on flattery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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