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
Everyone should own a pair of easy denim shorts, and this Levi's A-line pair is especially flattering.
—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
3 July 2026
These signature joggers from Vuori are a shopper-favorite for their comfortable, stretchy feel, and flattering silhouette.
—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
Pair Quince’s form-fitting tank with a washable silk skirt for a flattering fit from head to toe.
—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
This could be described as assertive or confident clothing, all of the designer’s work achieves drama while in its exceptionally flattering fit, and which somehow still looks and feels awfully comfortable.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
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Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
3 July 2026
These signature joggers from Vuori are a shopper-favorite for their comfortable, stretchy feel, and flattering silhouette.
—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
2 July 2026
Pair Quince’s form-fitting tank with a washable silk skirt for a flattering fit from head to toe.
—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
2 July 2026
This could be described as assertive or confident clothing, all of the designer’s work achieves drama while in its exceptionally flattering fit, and which somehow still looks and feels awfully comfortable.
—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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