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
Meanwhile, the chic and flattering Blessed Babe Dark Brown Slinky Knit Ruched Two-piece Midi Dress is 55 percent off and ideal for a wedding and beyond.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025
The Pioneer Woman Millennium Stretch Capri Pants Capris are the ultimate transitional pant style, and this denim pair from The Pioneer Woman has a sleek, simple design that slightly flares around your calves for a flattering fit.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
White tones can still be incredibly flattering to your space though, so look for warm whites that can achieve a crisp, clean look without feeling too chilly.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
Cut with an irregular touch, her bangs felt soft and flattering, rather than harsh–a good thing to be aware of when trying the look yourself.
—Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flattering 
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Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2025
The Pioneer Woman Millennium Stretch Capri Pants Capris are the ultimate transitional pant style, and this denim pair from The Pioneer Woman has a sleek, simple design that slightly flares around your calves for a flattering fit.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
White tones can still be incredibly flattering to your space though, so look for warm whites that can achieve a crisp, clean look without feeling too chilly.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2025
Cut with an irregular touch, her bangs felt soft and flattering, rather than harsh–a good thing to be aware of when trying the look yourself.
—Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for flattering
Dictionary Entries Near flattering
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flattering. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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