C2adjectiveformalrelationshipspsychology
US/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪ.tɪŋ/
UK/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪ.tɪŋ/
trying too hard to make someone like you, in a way that seems false
In context
He gave the director an ingratiating smile and praised her new plan.
Nobody trusted the ingratiating tone of his emails to the board.
Her ingratiating manner made the new students feel uneasy.
Words that go with ingratiating
adjective + noun
- ingratiating smileHe greeted the guests with an ingratiating smile.
- ingratiating mannerHis ingratiating manner annoyed his colleagues.
- ingratiating toneShe spoke in an ingratiating tone to the manager.
- ingratiating grinThe salesman flashed an ingratiating grin.
- ingratiating behaviorSuch ingratiating behavior rarely wins real respect.