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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

For the first year of his second term, European leaders used flattery in their approach to Trump.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Another day I praised her needlework, thinking that flattery would soften her.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.