flattery
noun
the act of flattering.
Jump to:
flattery
1 American
[flat-uh-ree]
/ ˈflæt ə ri /
noun
flatteries
plural
-
the act of flattering.
-
a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.
- Synonyms:
- pandering, sycophancy
Flattery
2
American
[flat-ree]
/ ˈflæt ri /
noun
flattery
British
/ ˈflætərɪ /
noun
-
the act of flattering
-
excessive or insincere praise
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.
Vocabulary lists containing flattery
Gathering Blue
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
If imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery, perhaps Americans should take a bow.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
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
Alas, they can’t agree on how to get it: fisticuffs or flattery.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025
He used a good measure of flattery, assuring Riddle that War Admiral would of course beat the stuffing out of Seabiscuit.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
