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.

The surprising revelation was part of a torrent of flattery, pomp and circumstance unleashed by Trump as Charles and Queen Camilla visited the White House.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

"He used a number of methods to do that - flattery, gifts, rewards."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 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

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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