ingratiating

adjective

in·​gra·​ti·​at·​ing in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ 

1

: intended or adopted in order to gain favor : flattering

2

: capable of winning favor : pleasing

an ingratiating smile

ingratiatingly

in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌā-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• disarming
• endearing
• insinuating
• winning
• winsome

Examples of ingratiating in a Sentence

one of the orphans had a most ingratiating smile

Recent Examples on the Web

Highly personable and ingratiating but with a tough core, Walters withstood critiques about the softness of her interrogatory style with celebrities and sometimes major political figures as well. —Carmel Dagan, Variety, 30 Dec. 2022

Smith’s tone was self-conscious and ingratiating—at times, obsequious. —Sam Adler-Bell, The New Republic, 7 Mar. 2022

So Nachminovitch and her workers are unfailingly polite and ingratiating, even when confronting the obstinate, the ignorant, the hostile, the unapologetically inhumane. —Gene Weingarten, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2021

As a lord, this Othello is a little vulgar — too ingratiating, a boaster, an arrogant man. —Armond White, National Review, 20 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

ingratiating

adjective

in·​gra·​ti·​at·​ing

in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt-iŋ

1

: pleasing

an ingratiating smile

2

: intended to gain favor

ingratiating manners

ingratiatingly adverb