C1nounlanguagerelationships
US/ˈflæt.ər.i/
UK/ˈflæt.ər.i/
praise that is too much or not sincere, often given to get something you want
In context
Flattery won't work; I'm still not lending you my car.
The new manager saw through the staff's flattery straight away.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the old saying goes.
Words that go with flattery
noun + preposition
- form of flatteryCopying a designer's style can be seen as a form of flattery.
verb + noun
- use flatteryHe used flattery to get a better table at the restaurant.
adjective + noun
- empty flatteryThe speech was full of empty flattery for the sponsors.
- shameless flatteryHer shameless flattery of the boss annoyed her colleagues.
adjective + preposition
- susceptible to flatteryEven powerful leaders are susceptible to flattery.
verb + preposition
- resort to flatteryWhen his arguments failed, he resorted to flattery.