flatter

1 of 2

verb

flat·​ter ˈfla-tər 

flattered; flattering; flatters

transitive verb

1

: to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest

He flattered her with comments about how youthful she looks.

2

a

archaic : beguile sense 2

b

: to encourage or gratify especially with the assurance that something is right

I flatter myself that my interpretation is correct.

3

a

: to portray too favorably

The portrait flatters him.

b

: to display to advantage

Candlelight often flatters the face.

intransitive verb

: to use flattery

flatterer

ˈfla-tər-ər 

noun

flatter

2 of 2

noun

: one that flattens

especially : a flat-faced swage used in smithing

Synonyms

Verb

• adulate
• belaud
• blarney
• butter up
• hero-worship
• honey
• massage
• overpraise
• puff
• soft-soap
• stroke

Examples of flatter in a Sentence

Verb

He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance.

It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding.

That dress really flatters your figure.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

If Glenn Horowitz comes calling, should you be flattered or alarmed? —Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

The interior layout looks open for a tiny house and not too fussy, flattering the small space available. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024

Noun

How sharp of Aegon not to fall for the scheme, the Clubfoot flatters, in turn securing an official role in Aegon’s government as Master of Whisperers. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 30 June 2024

But House Hunters appeals to, flatters, and even occasionally tuts at the same set of concerns and desires as those other shows. —Phillip MacIak, The New Republic, 24 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English flateren, from Anglo-French flater to lap, flatter, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German flaz flat

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1714, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing flatter

• flatter oneself

Kids Definition

flatter

verb

flat·​ter

ˈflat-ər

1

: to praise too much and not sincerely

2

: to judge oneself as better than another

I flatter myself on my skill in dancing

3

: to represent too attractively

a picture that flatters me

flatterer

-ər-ər

noun

flatteringly

-ə-riŋ-lē

adverb