Synonyms for
Flatter
Definition
to praise or compliment someone insincerely or excessively to gain favor or advantage
Synonyms & similar words
savourless
matt
plane
disparage
matted
categoric
flavourless
monotonous
categorical
contrasty
unconditional
natural
blandish
monotonic
vapid
flat
monotone
level
compressed
insipid
prostrate
bland
mat
dimensional
twodimensional
adulate
compliment
court
exaggerate
fawn
gush
ingratiate
overpraise
praise
soft-soap
sweet-talk
toady
wheedle
bootlick
brownnose
cajole
charm
coax
flirt
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- flatter oneself
- flatter someone's ego
- flatter to deceive
- flatter a client
- flatter a superior
- flatter a friend
- flatter a lover
Word family
Usage note
Often used with 'oneself' to indicate self-congratulation. Can sometimes imply insincerity, especially when used in the phrase 'flatter to deceive'.
Example sentences
- The salesman was trying to flatter the customer into buying the expensive product.
- She flattered her friend with compliments about her new haircut.
- He flattered the teacher by telling her she was the best teacher ever.
- The politician flattered the voters with promises he knew he couldn't keep.
- She flattered her date, hoping he would ask her out again.
Quotes
Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt, not swallowed.
Flattery is a counterfeit money which, but for vanity, would have no circulation.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.