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

Courtesy of brand Boden Tiered Tulle Ruffle Maxi Skirt $220 $176 Boden Courtesy of brand Boden Midi Coat $420 $214 Boden Free People Add a bit of color to your closet with some cozy sweaters and flattering jumpsuits from Free People. —Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024

This lounge look from Softies, available at Nordstrom and features a loose, straight-leg design and a flattering classic v-neckline. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024

In true Spanx fashion, the pants are enhanced with four-way stretching fabric, a flattering high-rise waistband, and an easy, no-fuss pull-on design. —Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2024

In an Instagram post with Elle Fanning from The Kelly Clarkson Show, the host and singer wore a gold midi skirt with flattering pleats. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flattering

• self-flattering