Flattery consists of flattering words or behaviour.
[disapproval]
He is ambitious and susceptible to flattery.
Synonyms: obsequiousness, fawning, adulation, sweet-talk [informal] More Synonyms of flattery
flattery in British English
(ˈflætərɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-teries
1.
the act of flattering
2.
excessive or insincere praise
flattery in American English
(ˈflætəri)
nounWord forms: pluralˈflatteries
1.
the act of flattering
2.
excessive, untrue, or insincere praise; exaggerated compliment or attention
Word origin
ME & OFr flaterie (Fr flatterie) < flater: see flatter1
Examples of 'flattery' in a sentence
flattery
What is it they say about imitation and flattery?
The Sun (2014)
But you see others borrowing from us - and the highest form of flattery is imitation.
The Sun (2008)
The flattery sounds over-the-top but the feelings are sincere.
The Sun (2013)
To enjoy flattery, let your guard down.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
If making a speech, flattery will get you anywhere.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He doorsteps the cast with his usual barrage of front and flattery, which gets him farther than he probably deserves.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Here imitation was sincere flattery.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
I don't like flattery or attention.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Charm, flattery and lies.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This column has strictly no room for personal prejudice, of course, but flattery will get you somewhere.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Quotations
I suppose flattery hurts no one, that is, if he doesn't inhaleAdlai Stevenson
Everyone likes flattery; and when you come to Royalty you should lay it on with a trowelBenjamin Disraeli
(noun)
Definition
excessive or insincere praise
He is ambitious and susceptible to flattery.
Synonyms
obsequiousness
fawning
adulation
The book was received with adulation by the critics.
sweet-talk (informal)
flannel (British, informal)
He gave me a lot of flannel.
blarney
You're as full of blarney as my father.
soft-soap (informal)
sycophancy
snobbery, sycophancy and nepotism
servility
She's a curious mixture of stubbornness and servility.
cajolery
They resorted to cajolery and arm-twisting to get their way.
blandishment
fulsomeness
toadyism
false praise
honeyed words
Quotations
I suppose flattery hurts no one, that is, if he doesn't inhale [Adlai Stevenson]Everyone likes flattery; and when you come to Royalty you should lay it on with a trowel [Benjamin Disraeli]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adulation
Definition
uncritical admiration
The book was received with adulation by the critics.
Synonyms
extravagant flattery,
worship,
fawning,
sycophancy,
fulsome praise,
blandishment,
bootlicking (informal),
servile flattery
in the sense of blarney
Definition
flattering talk
You're as full of blarney as my father.
Synonyms
flattery,
coaxing,
exaggeration,
fawning,
adulation,
wheedling,
spiel,
sweet talk (informal),
flannel (British, informal),
soft soap (informal),
sycophancy,
servility,
obsequiousness,
cajolery,
blandishment,
fulsomeness,
toadyism,
overpraise,
false praise,
honeyed words
in the sense of cajolery
They resorted to cajolery and arm-twisting to get their way.
Synonyms
persuasion,
coaxing,
inducement(s),
flattery,
blarney,
wheedling,
sweet talk (informal),
blandishments,
inveigling,
soft soap (informal),
enticement,
beguilement
Nearby words of
flattery
flatter
flattered
flattering
flattery
flatulence
flatulent
flaunt
Synonyms of 'flattery'
flattery
Explore 'flattery' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of flannel
Definition
evasive talk that avoids giving any commitment or direct answer
He gave me a lot of flannel.
Synonyms
waffle (British, informal),
flattery,
blarney,
sweet talk (US, informal),
baloney (informal),
equivocation,
hedging,
prevarication,
weasel words (informal, US),
soft soap (informal)
in the sense of servility
She's a curious mixture of stubbornness and servility.