flattering

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.

His point wasn’t that all humanities scholarship was worthless, but that an article could gain academic approval by sounding sophisticated while flattering the editors’ ideological commitments.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Ashdown duly received the not entirely flattering nickname of "Viceroy of Bosnia".

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Sure, the economic data doesn’t paint the most flattering picture at the moment.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

They are well organized and have excellent taste in fancy crackers, and they love to talk with writers so much that their enthusiasm can be a little overwhelming and a lot flattering.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He cannot tell if it is meant to be flattering or not.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern