flattery

¹ American  

[flat-uh-ree] / ˈflæt ə ri /

noun

plural

flatteries

1. the act of flattering.

2. a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

   Synonyms:

   pandering, sycophancy

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Flattery ² American  

[flat-ree] / ˈflæt ri /

noun

1. Cape, a cape in NW Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait.

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flattery British  

/ ˈflætərɪ /

noun

1. the act of flattering

2. excessive or insincere praise

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Etymology

Origin of flattery

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English flaterie, from Middle French, equivalent to flat(er) “to flatter” + -erie noun suffix; see flatter ¹, -ery

Explanation

Flattery is excessive praise. If you're hoping to borrow your brother's car, be careful not to overdo it when you compliment his haircut, new shoes, and singing voice — he knows flattery when he sees it. As opposed to real praise, flattery is insincere and almost always has an ulterior motive. The Old English root word of flatter is flater, which originally meant "to stroke with the hand or caress." When you stroke someone's ego to get what you want, you're using flattery. If the person you are wildly complimenting tells you that flattery will get you nowhere, you know it's time to back off.

Example Sentences

Admittedly, heaping this much flattery onto a tawdry piece of airport fiction adapted into a Sydney Sweeney-starring, big-screen sensation may seem hyperbolic.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

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

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

The tool has shown promise in preventing excessive flattery, which can fall flat with Gen Z women, Roth said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

Is flattery and kindness a means to an end for these guys?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

“Now is not the time for flattery; It is the time for truth. Tell me. Did you hurt this girl, yes or no?”

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat