Definitions

flattery

[flat-uh-ree] / ˈflæt ə ri /

NOUN

false praise, compliments

Synonyms

STRONG

adulation applause approbation blandishment blarney cajolery commendation encomium eulogy eyewash flummery fulsomeness gallantry hokum ingratiation jive mush obsequiousness palaver plaudits puffery snow stroking sycophancy tribute truckling unctuousness

WEAK

bootlicking fawning flattering honeyed words laud pretty speech snow job soft words soft-soap sweet-talk toadyism

Antonyms

STRONG

blame criticism

WEAK

belittlement castigation condemnation denunciation insult

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.

And this is a problem, given that large-language models might, at this point, be best known for being sycophantic flattery machines.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

"He used a number of methods to do that - flattery, gifts, rewards."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Alliance chief Mark Rutte -- dubbed a "Trump whisperer" -- is central as he has managed to keep the president onside, thanks in large part to his unbridled flattery of the US leader.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

This was no form of flattery, and wouldn’t be allowed between cities in the same state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

“Ah takes dat flattery offa you, Pheoby, ’cause Ah know it’s from de heart.”

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston

Vocabulary lists containing flattery

Gathering Blue

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"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"

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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 5

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