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
And, Margaret, despite being open to negotiations, its decision to opt for defiance, rather than flattery, is a sign China won't back down.
—CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Matty’s imitation is not a form of flattery.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that seems to be what Ariana Grande thinks about Kelly Ripa's impersonation of her.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
That one-two punch of flattery and gentle resistance is an example of how some European leaders are trying to approach America at a fraught moment.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flattery
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025
Matty’s imitation is not a form of flattery.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that seems to be what Ariana Grande thinks about Kelly Ripa's impersonation of her.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
That one-two punch of flattery and gentle resistance is an example of how some European leaders are trying to approach America at a fraught moment.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Feb. 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 22 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share