Flattery — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfla-tə-rē/ flat·tery

Meaning & Definition of Flattery

Flattery (noun)

  1. the act or practice of flattering
  2. something that flatters
  3. insincere or excessive praise

Flattery (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. excessive praise

    "a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery"

    similar: adulation, blarney, butter, flannel (British), incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy
    related: allurements, blandishments, endearments, caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects, adoration, idolatry, worship, fawning, sycophancy, toadying, cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm, acclaim, applause, commendation, praise
    near: bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Flattery

The most common words with a similar meaning to Flattery:

British: flannel
adulation, blarney, butter, incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy

Related Words for Flattery

allurements, blandishments, endearments, caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects, adoration, idolatry, worship, fawning, sycophancy, toadying, cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm, acclaim, applause, commendation, praise

Near Antonyms of Flattery

bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

Word Forms of Flattery

Inflections: flatteries

Origin & Etymology of Flattery

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Flattery

flattery will get you nowhere, self-flattery

Frequently Asked Questions about Flattery

What does "Flattery" mean?

"Flattery" means the act or practice of flattering. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or practice of flattering.

What is another word for "Flattery"?

Other words for "Flattery" include adulation, blarney, butter, flannel, incense, overpraise, soft soap and sweet talk. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Flattery" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Flattery"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Flattery". Common alternatives include adulation, blarney, butter, flannel, incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk and taffy.

How do you use "Flattery" in a sentence?

Examples of "Flattery" in a sentence: "a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery".

Is "Flattery" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Flattery" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Flattery"?

"Flattery" is pronounced /ˈfla-tə-rē/ and divided into syllables as flat·tery.

What is the origin of the word "Flattery"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Flattery" meaning "excessive praise"?

When "Flattery" (noun) means excessive praise, synonyms include adulation, blarney, butter, flannel, incense and overpraise.