1
as in laudatory
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in excessive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in praising
to praise too much
the billionaire has an army of assistants who are eager to flatter him at every opportunity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in priding
to think highly of (oneself)
don't flatter yourself that no one has ever thought of that idea before
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of flattering
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
There is a flattering, if occasionally self-deprecating, account of his upbringing; a recap of his political successes told with a careful balance of humility and braggadocio; and, perhaps most of all, a sustained effort to define his brand for voters.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2026
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026
The squared scoop neck is also one of my favorite necklines for flattering the décolletage for a more polished look.
—Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Adjective
However, such a storied brand as Clinique even knows a universally flattering shade can still have its dissenters.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
There is a flattering, if occasionally self-deprecating, account of his upbringing; a recap of his political successes told with a careful balance of humility and braggadocio; and, perhaps most of all, a sustained effort to define his brand for voters.
—Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
Need further proof that this trendy cut is flattering on everyone?
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026
The squared scoop neck is also one of my favorite necklines for flattering the décolletage for a more polished look.
—Olivia Dubyak, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattering
Adjective
-
Before the film ends with onscreen graphics listing Melania’s achievements as first lady in such laudatory fashion that North Korea would blush, she’s shown posing for her official portrait.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
-
As several polls and surveys of consumer confidence reveal, the public’s view of contemporary economic conditions contrasts sharply with Trump’s laudatory assessment, and some believe his strategy of denying affordability concerns could hurt the GOP's chances in next year’s elections.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Critics say it was often used to justify excessive force by police.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That Bad Bunny gave this song to Martin feels especially moving after the latter wrote a letter this past week praising the former’s Grammys acceptance speech.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Your diplomatic touch can turn an argument into teamwork by praising an idea’s potential, then guiding it toward a less pricey lane.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But with a bid to appeal to more women and families, Hooters risks failing to differentiate itself from the dozens of other casual dining chains also priding themselves on being family-friendly, according to Saunders.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
14 Nov. 2025
-
If bookmaking was in theory the keel that kept the ship upright, in practice Bowyer often treated it as another gamble, priding himself on taking bets that his competition wouldn’t touch.—
DAVID AMSDEN,
Rolling Stone,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Reviews of the memoir were fulsome.—
David Treuer,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The film has had a fulsome festival run landing various accolades along the way, including two awards at the British Short Film Awards.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On Sunday night and into Monday, BAM’s X feed spilled over with reposts commending the account for its largely correct forecasts.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
28 Jan. 2026
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Comments on both videos range from commending this brilliant idea to admitting to leaving the anchor in and patching over it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
During that time, policemen and policewomen, Black and white, approached Officer Daniel, hugging him, shaking his hand, patting him on the back, congratulating him — demonstrating an enormous outpouring of support and admiration.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Daniel Girdler got plenty of text messages this week congratulating him on his recent engagement.—
Jason Armesto,
AJC.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Another option would be converting a pair of their two-way players to team-favorable standard contracts, perhaps Myron Gardner and Jahmir Young, and then backfilling their two-way spots, with two-way players allowed to be signed until March 4.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The pick coming back to Denver will be the least favorable of the Clippers’ and Hawks’ second-rounders this year.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattering. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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