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Showing results for flattery. Search instead for flattery/2.
Definitions

flattery

[flat-uh-ree] / ˈflæt ə ri /
NOUN
false praise, compliments
Synonyms
STRONG
adulation applause approbation blandishment blarney cajolery commendation encomium eulogy eyewash flummery fulsomeness gallantry hokum ingratiation jive mush obsequiousness palaver plaudits puffery snow stroking sycophancy tribute truckling unctuousness
WEAK
bootlicking fawning flattering honeyed words laud pretty speech snow job soft words soft-soap sweet-talk toadyism
Antonyms
STRONG
blame criticism
WEAK
belittlement castigation condemnation denunciation insult

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Alliance chief Mark Rutte -- dubbed a "Trump whisperer" -- is central as he has managed to keep the president onside, thanks in large part to his unbridled flattery of the US leader.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Their only qualification is their capacity for flattery.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

This was no form of flattery, and wouldn’t be allowed between cities in the same state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Alas, they can’t agree on how to get it: fisticuffs or flattery.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

For a little while Emma persevered in her silence; but beginning to apprehend the bewitching flattery of that letter might be too powerful, she thought it best to say,

From "Emma" by Jane Austen