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

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

I knew every man must compliment her, bury her in flattery more cloying than roses.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Vocabulary lists containing flattery

Gathering Blue

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"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"

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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 5

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