Ingratiation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt/ in·gra·ti·ate

Meaning & Definition of Ingratiation

Ingratiation (verb)

  1. to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort —usually used with with

Ingratiation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in smarm, cajolery

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

Related Entry: Ingratiate (verb)

Ingratiate is a different word from Ingratiation. The synonyms below are for ingratiate, not for ingratiation.

  1. to gain favor or approval for (yourself) by doing or saying things that people like

    "She has tried to ingratiate herself with voters by promising a tax cut."

    similar: endear (to), appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate, calm, comfort, console, content, hush, quiet, soothe, tranquilize, delight, gladden, gratify, please, adulate, blarney, flatter, overpraise, soft-soap, quench, sate, satiate, satisfy, cater (to), humor, indulge, blandish, cajole, coax, sweet-talk, wheedle, baby, coddle, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil, dulcify, sweeten, apple-polish, bootlick, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, truckle
    opposite: aggravate, annoy, antagonize, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, cross, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pique, put out, rankle, rile, roil, ruffle, vex, provoke, rouse, harass, harry, persecute, pester, agitate, discomfort, distress, disturb, fret, perturb, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry, affront, insult, offend, slight, anger, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, ire, madden, outrage

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ingratiation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ingratiation:

British: flannel
cajolement, cajolery, smarm, fawning, sycophancy, toadying, acclaim, applause, commendation, praise, adoration, idolatry, worship, caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects, allurements, blandishments, endearments, adulation, blarney, butter, flattery, incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ingratiation

Words with the opposite meaning of Ingratiation:

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

Word Forms of Ingratiation

Inflections: ingratiated, ingratiating

Derived words: ingratiation (noun), ingratiatory (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Ingratiation

in-:2 + Latin gratia grace

First known use: 1621

Frequently Asked Questions about Ingratiation

What does "Ingratiation" mean?

"Ingratiation" means to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort —usually used with with. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort —usually used with with.

What is another word for "Ingratiation"?

Other words for "Ingratiation" include cajolement, cajolery, smarm, fawning, sycophancy, toadying, acclaim and applause. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ingratiation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ingratiation"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ingratiation". Common alternatives include cajolement, cajolery, smarm, fawning, sycophancy, toadying, acclaim, applause, commendation and praise.

What is the opposite of "Ingratiation"?

Antonyms of "Ingratiation" include bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement and put-down.

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

"Ingratiation" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Ingratiation"?

"Ingratiation" is pronounced /in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as in·gra·ti·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Ingratiation"?

"Ingratiation" comes from in-:2 + Latin gratia grace. First known use: 1621.

What is another word for "Ingratiation" meaning "as in smarm, cajolery"?

When "Ingratiation" (noun) means as in smarm, cajolery, synonyms include cajolement, cajolery, smarm, fawning, sycophancy and toadying. Opposites in this sense include bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation and detraction.