flatter

verb

ˈfla-tər How to pronounce flatter (audio)
Definition of flatternext
1
as in to commend
to praise too much the billionaire has an army of assistants who are eager to flatter him at every opportunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pride
to think highly of (oneself) don't flatter yourself that no one has ever thought of that idea before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flatter Lu was also flattered by a festival website’s introduction linking the film to Taiwan’s New Wave. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Joy, for her part, is flattered that Luke made the effort to see her. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 Mizrahi has not only the chutzpah to reveal the rainbow that is his personality but the panache to revel in its many splendid colors—not all of which are flattering. — Charles Gandee, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026 Even a few Republican loyalists have recoiled at the extravagant pageantry, seemingly designed to flatter Xi and awe a domestic audience, although the absence of TV cameras at the Rose Garden ceremony undermined that low-ambition objective. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flatter
  1. commend
  2. pride
  3. honey
  4. congratulate
  5. stroke
  6. praise
  7. applaud
  8. overpraise
Verb
  • The Textile-to-Textile Ecosystem Award went to the Circulose Recycling Ecosystem, commending the brand commitments and fiber-producer partnerships supporting the Swedish company’s industrial restart.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement this week, the ACLU of Kansas commended Overland Park police for updating its policy, and for including community members in the process.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Both also pride themselves in downfield blocking, a must for a team coached by a former receivers coach.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The country that prided itself on being an oasis of democracy in the Middle East had replaced freedom of expression with the unfettered right to incite vengeance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of pride
Verb
  • The mouthfeel is thick, chewy, and honeyed, with a hint of marzipan.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Her voice, languid and honeyed, can glide over sensual R&B, bouncing reggaetón, shimmering pop or nostalgic jazz.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of honey
Verb
  • Please join me in congratulating Kayleen and welcoming Maria to XBOX!
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Everyone kept congratulating her on the long overdue success.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • The young woman on the left strokes her hair and tells her not to be nervous.
    — Anna Griffin, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Charli even stroked the bathroom hand dryer — a clever reference to everybody’s favorite scene in Desperately Seeking Susan.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Public perceptions of the police also change and are influenced by what people see on social media, said Hrar, who noted that officers were applauded for their bravery during terror attacks in 2015.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of applaud
Verb
  • The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.
    — Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.
    — Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023
Definition of overpraise

Browse Nearby Words

flattens
flatter
flattered
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Cite this Entry

“Flatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flatter. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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