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.

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery.

From Salon

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Los Angeles Times

Which is too bad, because the book gains energy when the flattery ebbs and the dishing commences.

From The Wall Street Journal

It involves flattery, and most countries have tried it, including on his trip to Asia so far.

From BBC