flatter

verb

ˈfla-tər 
Definition of flatter
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 Rigor in value measurement requires a true baseline, a metric the customer agrees on (not one that flatters you), and public results with their name on it. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Trump was flattered into joining Benjamin Netanyahu in attacking Iran, where former presidents had the intelligence to refuse his appeals. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Even if Wall Street manages to put the merger to one side, the spotlight on the two separate businesses may not be especially flattering for either of them this quarter. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 Add dresses to your closet that actually flatter your shorter frame instead of swallowing it. — Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 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
  • While the filmmakers should be commended for keeping the focus on Brockington and Prescott for most of the running time, the doc also feels somewhat unbalanced.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The report commends changes including protecting wetlands, improving stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and expanding water quality monitoring, including notification programs that warn people about unsafe conditions in rivers and streams.
    — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • The outlet, which receives about 65% of its funding through the Defense Department, has long prided itself on its editorial independence from the public affairs apparatus at the Pentagon.
    — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In a small eastern Connecticut town that prides itself on being part of the Quiet Corner, even a relatively modest-size project like Meehan’s is drawing more controversy than usual.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 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
  • Jolly, who’s been campaigning against divisiveness in politics, issued a statement congratulating Avila shortly after Tuesday’s announcement.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In the letter, written after Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Parton congratulated the artist on the honor and praised his performance that night.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Afterwards, as Cheogyal puts it, the spiritual leader stroked his head with compassion.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders do not have the luxury of sitting in the corner contemplating their feelings or hoping someone will stroke their egos.
    — Chris Adams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of stroke
Verb
  • While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Mourinho stressed that actions speak louder than words, praising his squad's growing unity and dedication.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Local officials posed around the giant baby blue ceremonial check, applauding as the mayor positioned it on an easel in view of the television cameras.
    — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • His return was widely applauded by fans years after he was dropped for reasons that were never publicly explained either to him or to viewers.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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