flattery
noun
flat·tery
ˈfla-tə-rē 
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 flattery …—
Harry Shaw
Harry 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
Its flattery is intended to keep people engaged and coming back for more.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Imitation is supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Ricardo Rubio | Europa Press | Getty Images The whirlwind trip to the Middle East was marked by a slew of business deals and flattery for the U.S. president from Gulf State leaders.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 May 2025
What a torrent of encouragement and loving advice and undeserved flattery over the years!
—John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
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Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
Imitation is supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Ricardo Rubio | Europa Press | Getty Images The whirlwind trip to the Middle East was marked by a slew of business deals and flattery for the U.S. president from Gulf State leaders.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 16 May 2025
What a torrent of encouragement and loving advice and undeserved flattery over the years!
—John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
Cite this Entry
“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattery. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flattery
noun
flat·tery
ˈflat-ə-rē
plural flatteries
1
: the act of flattering
2
: praise that is excessive or not sincere
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