noun
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flattery
FLAT-uh-ree
Flattery (noun) means Excessive or insincere praise, often given to win someone's favour. Example: “His flattery didn't win her over — she saw right through it.”
noun
1
Excessive or insincere praise, often given to win someone's favour.
"His flattery didn't win her over — she saw right through it."
"A little flattery goes a long way with the new manager."
"Don't you know that some of his contributions here are pure flattery?"
How to use flattery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInsincere praise aimed at pleasing someone or gaining an advantage.
Memory tip
The saying "flattery will get you nowhere" is a common set phrase meaning compliments won't change someone's decision.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
empty flattery
shameless flattery
flattery will get you nowhere
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Word forms
- Plural
- flatteries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ didn't win her over — she saw right through it.
Etymology
From Old French flaterie, from the verb flater ("to flatter").
Synonyms
View more →
carny
incense
adulation
ass-kissing
ass-licking
blandishment
gloze
hoomalimali
soft sawder
sooth
sycophancy
Related words
Rhymes for flattery
See all rhymes for flattery →Frequently asked questions
What does “flattery” mean?
The word “flattery” means excessive or insincere praise, often given to win someone's favour. In plain terms, insincere praise aimed at pleasing someone or gaining an advantage.
How do you pronounce “flattery”?
“Flattery” is pronounced FLAT-uh-ree (/ˈflæt.ɚ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “flattery” in a sentence?
Here is “flattery” used in a sentence: “His flattery didn't win her over — she saw right through it.”
What is another word for “flattery”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flattery” include carny, incense, adulation, ass-kissing, ass-licking and blandishment.
What part of speech is “flattery”?
“Flattery” is a noun.
Where does the word “flattery” come from?
The word “flattery” comes from Old French. From Old French flaterie, from the verb flater ("to flatter").
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