flattery

[ flat-uh-ree ]

/ ˈflæt ə ri /

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noun, plural flat·ter·ies.

the act of flattering.

a flattering compliment or speech; excessive, insincere praise.

OTHER WORDS FOR flattery

2 sycophancy, toadying, fawning, pandering.

See synonyms for flattery on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of flattery

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English flaterie, from Middle French, equivalent to flat(er) “to flatter” + -erie noun suffix; see flatter¹, -ery

Words nearby flattery

flatten the curve, flatter, flattered, flattering, flatter oneself, flattery, flattie, flatties, flatting, flat tire, flattish

Other definitions for flattery (2 of 2)

Flattery

[ flat-ree ]

/ ˈflæt ri /

noun

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

How to use flattery in a sentence

Numerous female cooks and food writers have been likened to Child as a form of flattery.
It’s Time to Retire the ‘Julia Child Of’ Trope|Mayukh Sen|December 9, 2021|Eater
He thinks it’s nothing more than cheap flattery or a stall for time.
That’s a Great Question! (Ep. 192 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|September 30, 2021|Freakonomics
I still got carded regularly, though I knew the gray would put an end to that flattery.
Some young women embraced their gray hair during the pandemic. They might not go back.|Maura Judkis|April 12, 2021|Washington Post
Realizing that the intended flattery has failed should make people less inclined to press on — or try it again on others.
Miss Manners: Celebrity comparison rankles|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|April 9, 2021|Washington Post

The problem, as we all know, is that flattery will get you nowhere.
How Pseudoscientists Get Away With It - Facts So Romantic|Stuart Firestein|August 28, 2020|Nautilus
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, this is high praise.
The Stoner's Guide to the Internet|Abby Haglage|August 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It used to be that we said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
You Can’t ‘Steal’ a Culture: In Defense of Cultural Appropriation|John McWhorter|July 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Giger thought the best form of flattery was the body art inspired by his work.
Hollywood’s Sci-Fi Artist H.R. Giger Dead at 74|Justin Jones|May 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, maybe Miley will land that Vogue cover after all.
Miley Cyrus Debuts Anna Wintour-esque Bob; Lady Gaga Dresses as a Christmas Tree|The Fashion Beast Team|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Arab-American critics, fluent in both cultures, argue that cultural flattery—and even racial politics—are at play.
Boston Irish Girl Jennifer Grout Is The Unexpected Star Of ‘Arabs Got Talent’|Michael Pizzi|December 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
During the eleven months since he had left England he had experienced neither encouragement nor flattery.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
He's getting a little stiff in the joints of his good nature, but a good dose of flattery'll limber him up considerable.
Dorothy at Skyrie|Evelyn Raymond
She had a long struggle with herself, being fond of notice and flattery, and possessed of considerable pride.
The Childhood of Distinguished Women|Selina A. Bower
They should be treated kindly, but not allowed too many toys and sweetmeats, nor too much flattery.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
Julie acknowledged this flattery by a wan little smile, and following Hester out of the 24 room, went in to see her father.
Those Dale Girls|Frank Weston Carruth

British Dictionary definitions for flattery

flattery

/ (ˈflætərɪ) /

noun plural -teries

the act of flattering

excessive or insincere praise

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

flattery

OTHER WORDS FOR flattery

Origin of flattery

Words nearby flattery

Other definitions for flattery (2 of 2)

Words related to flattery

How to use flattery in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for flattery