FLATTERY Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

flattery

noun

ˈfla-tə-rē

Definition of flattery

as in praise

excessive praise a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of flattery The real danger is not the flattery itself. — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and that's exactly why beautiful paint colors are subject to overuse. — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 21 June 2026 Unfortunately, Trump takes servile flattery as his due. — Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026 That, plus a golden iPhone (or key to the city) and a bit of flattery, should do the trick. — Ravi Gupta, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flattery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flattery

Noun

Caminero has also demonstrated improved plate discipline in 2026, earning praise from manager Kevin Cash for his selective approach.

— Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
That praise for Legette isn’t based on his performance Friday, which admittedly wasn’t nearly as splashy as previous training camp practices have been from him.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of praise

Noun

The adulation was directed at Harvey Levin, the co-creator and editor of the tabloid news organization.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
The people standing included A-list Hollywood stars and world leaders, all giving the Prince and Princess of Wales a very public show of respect and adulation.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Definition of adulation

Noun

Receiving acclaim for those realistic portrayals still doesn’t feel real to Infiniti.

— Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
The stage production received critical acclaim and earned multiple Tony Awards including best direction of a play for Sam Pinkleton and best actor in a play for Escola.

— Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of acclaim

Noun

His death sparked an outpouring of adoration from his Sopranos’ castmates, among others.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
One, a delight for the kitchen — the pressure, the camaraderie, the artist's heart, the pirate's adoration of heat and knives — and, another, hard drugs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of adoration

Browse Nearby Words

flatters

flattery

flatulent

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“Flattery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flattery. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of flattery

noun

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