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
Richard Dawkins
b
: excessively or insincerely complimentary
… a steady stream of ham actors, all of whom were welcomed with flattering speeches.—H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken2
: helping to enhance attractiveness
a necktie in a flattering color
… dictating the most flattering camera angles.—David Margolick
David MargolickThe gowns were indeed smashing: smart, sexy, eye-catching, and very, very flattering.—The New Yorker
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
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
Rebecca Mead
Examples of flattering in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Vibrant prints and flattering silhouettes were designed to empower every body type, reinforcing inclusiveness as a style note.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
With a scoop front neckline and an open back detail, this mini-length dress offers a flattering silhouette for all activities.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
They’re made from a blend of cotton, hemp, and spandex, which provides structure and a little bit of stretch, while the high waistline and contoured waistband help create a flattering fit.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
And Amazon shoppers have found one with a flattering fit and optimal coverage.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattering
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Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
With a scoop front neckline and an open back detail, this mini-length dress offers a flattering silhouette for all activities.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
They’re made from a blend of cotton, hemp, and spandex, which provides structure and a little bit of stretch, while the high waistline and contoured waistband help create a flattering fit.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
And Amazon shoppers have found one with a flattering fit and optimal coverage.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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